summary
Introduced
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
In Committee
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Election Code. Provides that an election authority shall not permit a law enforcement agent to enter and remain in a polling place, unless the law enforcement agent is called upon by the election authority or judges of election or required by court order. Provides that an election authority shall ensure that any law enforcement agent who is permitted to enter and remain in a polling place has provided the election authority with a valid pollwatcher credential. Provides that no judge of election, pollwatcher, or other person shall engage in any practice that is intended to intimidate a voter within any polling place, within 100 feet of any polling place, or on any of the property of that church or private school that is a polling place. Provides that nothing in the provisions shall (i) prohibit a law enforcement agent from serving as a pollwatcher when the law enforcement agent is not performing law enforcement duties or (ii) apply to other spaces within a municipal building that are not specifically being used as polls.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Election Code to restrict the presence of law enforcement agents in polling places, stating that an election authority, which is the official responsible for administering elections, cannot allow a law enforcement agent to enter and remain unless called upon by election officials or ordered by a court. Furthermore, any law enforcement agent permitted in a polling place must possess a valid pollwatcher credential, which is an official document authorizing someone to observe election proceedings. The bill also clarifies that a law enforcement agent can serve as a pollwatcher if they are not performing law enforcement duties and that these restrictions do not apply to other areas within a municipal building that are not being used as polling places. Additionally, it prohibits judges of election, pollwatchers, or any other person from engaging in intimidating behavior towards voters within or near polling places, including on the property of churches or private schools used as polling sites.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Assignments (on 02/03/2026)
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