Who's Who at the Polling Place - Campaign Worker vs Poll Watcher

You are a Campaign Worker if you ask any voter to vote a particular way using Words, Signs, Gestures, Buttons, Ribbons, T-Shirts, Hats, Pamphlets, Leaflets, etc… identified with a specific party, candidate, organization or referendum outside the Campaign Free Zone.

You are a Poll Watcher if you represent a specific party, candidate, organization, or referendum inside the Polling Place where you can observe, inspect and listen to Judges and Voters interact.

Poll Watchers must surrender a completed and signed credential to an Election Judge that will allow you access to a results tape at the end of the day. It gives you the right to hear the names and addresses of voters and the right to compare voters signatures and to inspect equipment. You cannot hinder Voters or Election Judges in the performance of their duty or touch any election materials.

A Poll Watcher or Campaign Worker who observes improper behavior or procedure(s) must first notify the Election Judges and not confront the person doing the improper behavior directly. This can include intimidation of voters, harassment of judges or voters, electioneering or campaigning within the Campaign Free Zone, Opening or Closing time is Late or too Early.

Upon notification of improper behavior to the Judges, present the evidence and ask the Judges to vote. Judges of both parties must be present for a vote and a simply majority of the Election Judges will decide what action(s) will be taken to correct the behavior.

As in all cases of a challenge to a Judges decision, Complaints and Questions can be made directly to the Cook County Clerks Legal Helpline at (312) 603.0236. For additional information, refer to the Election Judge Manual or the “Keep It Fair” pamphlet available at all polling places.

Election Judge Manual (pages 3-4, 6, and 27)

Keep It Fair Pamphlet