Bill > SB2726

This bill amends the Illinois Election Code to address law enforcement presence and voter intimidation in polling places. Specifically, the bill restricts law enforcement agents from entering and remaining in polling places unless they are called upon by election authorities, judges of election, or required by court order. Any law enforcement agent permitted to enter must provide a valid pollwatcher credential. The bill defines a "law enforcement agent" broadly to include federal, state, and local law enforcement with powers of arrest, detention, or subpoena. The legislation also expressly prohibits judges of election, pollwatchers, and other individuals from engaging in any practices intended to intimidate voters within a polling place, within 100 feet of a polling place, or on the property of a church or private school serving as a polling place. The bill clarifies that these restrictions do not prevent a law enforcement agent from serving as a pollwatcher when not performing law enforcement duties and do not apply to spaces within a municipal building that are not specifically being used as polling places. The aim of the bill appears to be protecting voter access and preventing potential intimidation or interference with the electoral process.

Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=2726&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104