10 ILCS 5/ Election Code.

(10 ILCS 5/Art. 12 heading) ARTICLE 12. NOTICE OF ELECTION

(10 ILCS 5/12-1) (from Ch. 46, par. 12-1)

Sec. 12-1. At least 60 days prior to each general and consolidated election, the election authority shall provide public notice, calculated to reach elderly voters and voters with disabilities, of the availability of registration and voting aids under the Federal Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act, of the availability of assistance in marking the ballot, procedures for voting by vote by mail ballot, and procedures for voting early by personal appearance.

At least 30 days before any general election, and at least 20 days before any special congressional election, the county clerk shall publish a notice of the election in 2 or more newspapers published in the county, city, village, incorporated town or town, as the case may be, or if there is no such newspaper, then in any 2 or more newspapers published in the county and having a general circulation throughout the community. The notice may be substantially as follows:

Notice is hereby given that on (give date), at (give the place of holding the election and the name of the precinct or district) in the county of (name county), an election will be held for (give the title of the several offices to be filled), which election will be open at 6:00 a.m. and continued open until 7:00 p.m. of that day.

Dated at .... on (insert date).

(Source: P.A. 98-1171, eff. 6-1-15; 99-143, eff. 7-27-15.)

(10 ILCS 5/12-3) (from Ch. 46, par. 12-3)

Sec. 12-3. In any city, village or incorporated town operating under Article 6 of this Act, the Board of Election Commissioners shall give timely notice through the press of the time and place of election in each precinct or consolidated area of such city, village or incorporated town.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 2492.)

(10 ILCS 5/12-4) (from Ch. 46, par. 12-4)

Sec. 12-4. Not more than 30 nor less than 10 days prior to the date of the consolidated and nonpartisan elections, each election authority shall publish notice of the election of officers of each political subdivision to be conducted in his or its jurisdiction on such election date. The notice of election shall be published once in one or more newspapers published in each political subdivision, and if there is no such newspaper, then published once in a local, community newspaper having general circulation in the subdivision, and also once in a newspaper published in the county wherein the political subdivisions or portions thereof, having such elections are situated.

The notice shall be substantially in the form prescribed in Section 12-1, and may include notice of the location of the precincts and polling places within or including part of the political subdivision in which the election is to be conducted.

Not less than 10 days before each such election, the election authority shall publish notice of the precincts and the location of the polling places where the election will be conducted for political subdivisions wholly or partially within its jurisdiction. The election authority shall cause publication in the manner heretofore prescribed for the notice of election.

If, within the 10 days before any election, an election authority changes a polling location, the election authority shall send notice by electronic mail or phone call to the township committeeperson, ward committeeperson, or precinct committeepersons, as applicable, as soon as the location of the polling place is changed.

(Source: P.A. 103-467, eff. 8-4-23.)

(10 ILCS 5/12-5) (from Ch. 46, par. 12-5)

Sec. 12-5. Notice for public questions.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), for all elections held after July 1, 1999, notice of public questions shall be required only as set forth in this Section or as set forth in Section 17-3 or 19-3 of the School Code. Not more than 60 days nor less than 10 days before the date of a regular election at which a public question is to be submitted to the voters of a political or governmental subdivision, and at least 20 days before an emergency referendum, the election authority shall publish notice of the referendum. The notice shall be published once in a local, community newspaper having general circulation in the political or governmental subdivision. The notice shall also be given at least 10 days before the date of the election by posting a copy of the notice at the principal office of the election authority. The local election official shall also post a copy of the notice at the principal office of the political or governmental subdivision, or if there is no principal office at the building in which the governing body of the political or governmental subdivision held its first meeting of the calendar year in which the referendum is being held. The election authority and the political or governmental subdivision may, but are not required to, post the notice electronically on their World Wide Web pages. The notice, which shall appear over the name or title of the election authority, shall be substantially in the following form:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the election to be held on (insert day of the week), (insert date of election), the following proposition will be submitted to the voters of (name of political or governmental subdivision):

(insert the public question as it will appear on the ballot)

The polls at the election will be open at 6:00 o'clock A.M. and will continue to be open until 7:00 o'clock P.M. of that day.

Dated (date of notice)

(Name or title of the election authority)

The notice shall also include any additional information required by the statute authorizing the public question. The notice may include an explanation, in neutral and plain language, of the question and its purposes supplied by the governing body of the political or governmental subdivision to whose voters the question is to be submitted. The notice shall set forth the precincts and polling places at which the referendum will be conducted only in the case of emergency referenda.

(b) Notice of any public question published in a local, community newspaper having general circulation in the political or governmental subdivision to which such public question relates more than 30 days but not more than 35 days prior to the general election held on November 8, 2016 that otherwise complies with the requirements of this Section is sufficient notice to satisfy the newspaper publication requirement of this Section, such notice shall for all purposes be deemed to have been given in accordance with this Section, any bonds approved by the voters at such election are hereby authorized to be issued in accordance with applicable law without further referendum approval and taxes to be levied pursuant to any limiting rate increases approved by the voters at such election are hereby authorized to be levied and extended without further referendum approval.

(Source: P.A. 99-935, eff. 2-17-17; 100-298, eff. 1-1-18; 100-863, eff. 8-14-18.)

(10 ILCS 5/12-6) (from Ch. 46, par. 12-6)

Sec. 12-6. Whenever a requirement in this Code for the publication of any notice of an election cannot be complied with because of the absence of any qualified newspaper of local or general circulation in accordance with such requirements, notice shall be given by posting the required notice in 5 public places in the political subdivision. Notwithstanding any other publication of notice requirement, notice of municipal elections and referenda in municipalities with a population of less than 500 persons may be given by posting the required notice in 5 public places in the municipality in lieu of publication.

(Source: P.A. 81-963.)

(10 ILCS 5/Art. 12A heading) ARTICLE 12A.VOTERS' GUIDES (Source: P.A. 94-645, eff. 8-22-05.)

(10 ILCS 5/12A-2)

Sec. 12A-2. Definitions. As used in this Article, unless the context otherwise requires:

"Board" means the State Board of Elections.

"Internet Guide" refers to information disseminated by the State Board of Elections on a website, pursuant to Section 12A-5.

"Local election authority" means a county clerk or board of election commissioners.

"Public question" or "question" means any question, proposition, or referendum submitted to the voters under Article 28 of this Code.

"Statewide candidate" means any candidate who runs for a statewide office, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Comptroller, United States President, or United States Senator.

"Voters' guide" means any information disseminated by the State Board of Elections pursuant to Section 12A-5.

(Source: P.A. 94-645, eff. 8-22-05.)

(10 ILCS 5/12A-5)

Sec. 12A-5. Internet Guide. The Board shall publish, no later than the 45th day before a general election in which a statewide candidate appears on the ballot, an Internet website with the following information:

(1) The date and time of the general election.

(2) Requirements for a citizen to qualify as an elector.

(3) The deadline for registering as an elector in the State of Illinois for the next election.

(4) Contact information for local election authorities.

(5) A description of the following offices, when they appear on the ballot, including their term of office, basic duties, and base salary: United States President, United States Senator, United States Representative, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Comptroller, Illinois Supreme Court Judge, and Illinois Appellate Court Judge. The Board shall not include information on any office other than the offices listed in this item (5).

(6) The names and party affiliations of qualified candidates for the following offices, when these offices appear on the ballot: United States President, United States Senator, United States Representative, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Comptroller, Illinois Supreme Court Judge, and Illinois Appellate Court Judge. The Board shall not include information on candidates for any office other than the offices listed in this item (6).

(7) Challenged candidates. Where a candidate's right to appear on the general election ballot has been challenged, and any appeal remains pending regarding those challenges, the challenged candidate may appear on the Internet Guide, subject to the other provisions of Section 12A-10. In this instance, the Board may note that the candidate's candidacy has been challenged and that he or she may be removed from the ballot prior to election day. If the candidate is removed from the ballot prior to election day, the Board shall remove the candidate's name and other information from the Internet Guide.

(8) Any personal statement and photograph submitted by a candidate named in the Internet Guide, subject to Sections 12A-10 and 12A-35.

(9) A means by which an elector may determine what type of balloting equipment is used by his or her local election authority, and the instructions for properly using that equipment.

(10) The text of any public question that may appear on the ballot.

(11) A mechanism by which electors may determine in which congressional and judicial districts they reside. The Internet Guide shall allow visitors to search for candidates by office (e.g., Governor or United States Senator) and candidate's name.

(12) Information concerning how to become an election judge.

The Board shall archive the contents of the Internet Guide for a period of at least 5 years.

In addition, the Board has the discretion to publish a voters' guide before a general primary election in the manner provided in this Article.

(Source: P.A. 94-645, eff. 8-22-05.)

(10 ILCS 5/12A-10)

Sec. 12A-10. Candidate statements and photographs in the Internet Guide.

(a) Any candidate whose name appears in the Internet Guide may submit a written statement and a photograph to appear in the Internet Guide, provided that:

(1) No personal statement may exceed a brief biography (name, age, education, and current employment) and an additional 400 words.

(2) Personal statements may include contact information for the candidate, including the address and phone number of the campaign headquarters, and the candidate's website.

(3) Personal statements may not mention a candidate's opponents by name.

(4) No personal statement may include language that may not be legally sent through the mail.

(5) The photograph shall be a conventional photograph with a plain background and show only the face, or the head, neck, and shoulders, of the candidate.

(6) The photograph shall not (i) show the candidate's hands, anything in the candidate's hands, or the candidate wearing a judicial robe, a hat, or a military, police, or fraternal uniform or (ii) include the uniform or insignia of any organization.

(b) The Board must note in the text of the Internet Guide that personal statements were submitted by the candidate or his or her designee and were not edited by the Board.

(c) Where a candidate declines to submit a statement, the Board may note that the candidate declined to submit a statement.

(d) (Blank.)

(e) Anyone other than the candidate submitting a statement or photograph from a candidate must attest that he or she is doing so on behalf and at the direction of the candidate. The Board may assess a civil fine of no more than $1,000 against a person or entity who falsely submits a statement or photograph not authorized by the candidate.

(f) Nothing in this Article makes the author of any statement exempt from any civil or criminal action because of any defamatory statements offered for posting or contained in the Internet Guide. The persons writing, signing, or offering a statement for inclusion in the Internet Guide are deemed to be its authors and publishers, and the Board shall not be liable in any case or action relating to the content of any material submitted by any candidate.

(g) The Board may set reasonable deadlines for the submission of personal statements and photographs.

(h) The Board may set formats for the submission of statements and photographs. The Board may require that statements and photographs are submitted in an electronic format.

(i) Fines collected pursuant to subsection (e) of this Section shall be deposited into the Voters' Guide Fund, a special fund created in the State treasury. Moneys in the Voters' Guide Fund shall be appropriated solely to the State Board of Elections for use in the implementation and administration of this Article 12A.

(Source: P.A. 94-645, eff. 8-22-05; 95-699, eff. 11-9-07.)

(10 ILCS 5/12A-15)

Sec. 12A-15. Language. The Board may translate all of the material it is required to provide for the Internet Guide into other languages as it deems necessary to comply with the federal Voting Rights Act or at its discretion. Visitors to the site shall have the option of viewing the Guide in all languages into which the Guide has been translated. Candidates may, at their option and expense, submit statements in languages other than English. The Board shall not be responsible for translating candidate statements.

(Source: P.A. 94-645, eff. 8-22-05.)

(10 ILCS 5/12A-35)

Sec. 12A-35. Board's review of candidate photograph and statement; procedure for revision.

(a) If a candidate files a photograph and statement under item (8) of Section 12A-5 in a voters' guide, the Board shall review the photograph and statement to ensure that they comply with the requirements of Section 12A-10. Review by the Board under this Section shall be limited to determining whether the photograph and statement comply with the requirements of Section 12A-10 and may not include any determination relating to the accuracy or truthfulness of the substance or contents of the materials filed.

(b) The Board shall review each photograph and statement. If the Board determines that the photograph or statement of a candidate must be revised in order to comply with the requirements of Section 12A-10, the Board shall attempt to contact the candidate. A candidate contacted by the Board under this Section may file a revised photograph or statement no later than the 5th business day following notification .

(c) If the Board is required to attempt to contact a candidate under subsection (b) of this Section, the Board shall attempt to contact the candidate by telephone or by using an electronic transmission facsimile machine, if such contact information is provided by the candidate.

(d) If the Board is unable to contact a candidate, if the candidate does not file a revised photograph or statement, or if the revised filing under subsection (b) again fails to meet the standards of review set by the Board:

(1) If a photograph does not comply with Section 12A-10, the Board may modify the photograph. The candidate shall pay the expense of any modification before publication of the photograph in the voters' guide. If the photograph cannot be modified to comply with Section 12A-10, the photograph shall not be printed in the guide.

(2) If a statement does not comply with Section 12A-10, the statement shall not be published in the voters' guide.

(e) If the photograph or statement of a candidate filed under item (8) of Section 12A-5 does not comply with a requirement of Section 12A-10 and the Board does not attempt to contact the candidate by the deadline specified in subsection (b) of this Section, then, for purposes of this Section only, the photograph or statement shall be published as filed.

(f) A candidate revising a photograph or statement under this Section shall make only those revisions necessary to comply with Section 12A-10.

(g) The Board may by rule define the term "contact" as used in this Section.

(Source: P.A. 94-645, eff. 8-22-05; 95-699, eff. 11-9-07.)

(10 ILCS 5/12A-40)

Sec. 12A-40. Exemption from public records laws. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, materials filed by a candidate, political party, political committee, or other person for inclusion in a voters' guide are exempt from public inspection until the 4th business day after the final date for filing the materials.

(Source: P.A. 94-645, eff. 8-22-05.)

(10 ILCS 5/12A-45)

Sec. 12A-45. Material submitted for inclusion in any voters' guide may not be admitted as evidence in any suit or action against the Board to restrain or enjoin the publication of a voters' guide.

(Source: P.A. 94-645, eff. 8-22-05.)

(10 ILCS 5/12A-50)

Sec. 12A-50. Order of appearance within the guides. For all guides disseminated by the Board, all information about offices and candidates on the ballot shall be listed together in the same part of the guide or insert. All candidates for one office, together with their statements and photographs if any, shall be listed before information on other offices and candidates is listed. To the extent possible, offices and candidates shall be listed in the same order in which they appear on the ballot.

(Source: P.A. 94-645, eff. 8-22-05.)

(10 ILCS 5/12A-55)

Sec. 12A-55. Constitutional issues. If a constitutional amendment appears on the ballot, the contents of the pamphlet issued by the Secretary of State under Section 2 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act may be included in any guide issued by the Board.

(Source: P.A. 94-645, eff. 8-22-05.)

(10 ILCS 5/Art. 13 heading) ARTICLE 13. JUDGES OF ELECTION (OUTSIDE OF JURISDICTION OF BOARDS OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS)

(10 ILCS 5/13-1) (from Ch. 46, par. 13-1)

Sec. 13-1. In counties not under township organization, the county board of commissioners shall at its meeting in July in each even-numbered year appoint in each election precinct 5 capable and discreet persons meeting the qualifications of Section 13-4 to be judges of election. Where neither voting machines nor electronic, mechanical or electric voting systems are used, the county board may, for any precinct with respect to which the board considers such action necessary or desirable in view of the number of voters, and shall for general elections for any precinct containing more than 600 registered voters, appoint in addition to the 5 judges of election a team of 5 tally judges. In such precincts the judges of election shall preside over the election during the hours the polls are open, and the tally judges, with the assistance of the holdover judges designated pursuant to Section 13-6.2, shall count the vote after the closing of the polls. However, the County Board of Commissioners may appoint 3 judges of election to serve in lieu of the 5 judges of election otherwise required by this Section (1) to serve in any emergency referendum, or in any odd-year regular election or in any special primary or special election called for the purpose of filling a vacancy in the office of representative in the United States Congress or to nominate candidates for such purpose or (2) if the county board passes an ordinance to reduce the number of judges of election to 3 for primary elections. The tally judges shall possess the same qualifications and shall be appointed in the same manner and with the same division between political parties as is provided for judges of election.

In addition to such precinct judges, the county board of commissioners shall appoint special panels of 3 judges each, who shall possess the same qualifications and shall be appointed in the same manner and with the same division between political parties as is provided for other judges of election. The number of such panels of judges required shall be determined by regulations of the State Board of Elections which shall base the required numbers of special panels on the number of registered voters in the jurisdiction or the number of vote by mail ballots voted at recent elections, or any combination of such factors.

Such appointment shall be confirmed by the court as provided in Section 13-3 of this Article. No more than 3 persons of the same political party shall be appointed judges of the same election precinct or election judge panel. The appointment shall be made in the following manner: The county board of commissioners shall select and approve 3 persons as judges of election in each election precinct from a certified list, furnished by the chair of the County Central Committee of the first leading political party in such precinct; and the county board of commissioners shall also select and approve 2 persons as judges of election in each election precinct from a certified list, furnished by the chair of the County Central Committee of the second leading political party. However, if only 3 judges of election serve in each election precinct, no more than 2 persons of the same political party shall be judges of election in the same election precinct; and which political party is entitled to 2 judges of election and which political party is entitled to one judge of election shall be determined in the same manner as set forth in the next two preceding sentences with regard to 5 election judges in each precinct. Such certified list shall be filed with the county clerk not less than 10 days before the annual meeting of the county board of commissioners. Such list shall be arranged according to precincts. The chair of each county central committee shall, insofar as possible, list persons who reside within the precinct in which they are to serve as judges. However, he may, in his sole discretion, submit the names of persons who reside outside the precinct but within the county embracing the precinct in which they are to serve. He must, however, submit the names of at least 2 residents of the precinct for each precinct in which his party is to have 3 judges and must submit the name of at least one resident of the precinct for each precinct in which his party is to have 2 judges. The county board of commissioners shall acknowledge in writing to each county chair the names of all persons submitted on such certified list and the total number of persons listed thereon. If no such list is filed or such list is incomplete (that is, no names or an insufficient number of names are furnished for certain election precincts), the county board of commissioners shall make or complete such list from the names contained in the supplemental list provided for in Section 13-1.1. The election judges shall hold their office for 2 years from their appointment, and until their successors are duly appointed in the manner provided in this Act. The county board of commissioners shall fill all vacancies in the office of judge of election at any time in the manner provided in this Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-337, eff. 8-25-17; 100-1027, eff. 1-1-19.)

(10 ILCS 5/13-1.1) (from Ch. 46, par. 13-1.1)

Sec. 13-1.1. In addition to the list provided for in Section 13-1 or 13-2, the chair of the county central committee, or each township committeeperson in a county with a population of more than 3,000,000, of each of the two leading political parties shall submit to the county board a supplemental list, arranged according to precincts in which they are to serve, of persons available as judges of election, the names and number of all persons listed thereon to be acknowledged in writing to the county chair or township committeeperson, as the case may be, submitting such list by the county board. Vacancies among the judges of election shall be filled by selection from this supplemental list of persons qualified under Section 13-4. If the list provided for in Section 13-1 or 13-2 for any precinct is exhausted, then selection shall be made from the supplemental list submitted by the chair of the county central committee, or each township committeeperson in a county with a population of more than 3,000,000, of the party. If such supplemental list is exhausted for any precinct, then selection shall be made from any of the persons on the supplemental list without regard to the precincts in which they are listed to serve. No selection or appointment from the supplemental list shall be made more than 21 days prior to the date of precinct registration for those judges needed as precinct registrars, and more than 60 days prior to the date of an election for those additional persons needed as election judges. In any case where selection cannot be made from the supplemental list without violating Section 13-4, selection shall be made from outside the supplemental list of some person qualified under Section 13-4.

(Source: P.A. 100-1027, eff. 1-1-19.)

(10 ILCS 5/13-2) (from Ch. 46, par. 13-2)

Sec. 13-2. In counties under the township organization the county board shall at its meeting in July in each even-numbered year except in counties containing a population of 3,000,000 inhabitants or over and except when such judges are appointed by election commissioners, select in each election precinct in the county, 5 capable and discreet persons to be judges of election who shall possess the qualifications required by this Act for such judges. Where neither voting machines nor electronic, mechanical or electric voting systems are used, the county board may, for any precinct with respect to which the board considers such action necessary or desirable in view of the number of voters, and shall for general elections for any precinct containing more than 600 registered voters, appoint in addition to the 5 judges of election a team of 5 tally judges. In such precincts the judges of election shall preside over the election during the hours the polls are open, and the tally judges, with the assistance of the holdover judges designated pursuant to Section 13-6.2, shall count the vote after the closing of the polls. The tally judges shall possess the same qualifications and shall be appointed in the same manner and with the same division between political parties as is provided for judges of election.

However, the county board may appoint 3 judges of election to serve in lieu of the 5 judges of election otherwise required by this Section (1) to serve in any emergency referendum, or in any odd-year regular election or in any special primary or special election called for the purpose of filling a vacancy in the office of representative in the United States Congress or to nominate candidates for such purpose or (2) if the county board passes an ordinance to reduce the number of judges of election to 3 for primary elections.

In addition to such precinct judges, the county board shall appoint special panels of 3 judges each, who shall possess the same qualifications and shall be appointed in the same manner and with the same division between political parties as is provided for other judges of election. The number of such panels of judges required shall be determined by regulations of the State Board of Elections, which shall base the required number of special panels on the number of registered voters in the jurisdiction or the number of absentee ballots voted at recent elections or any combination of such factors.

No more than 3 persons of the same political party shall be appointed judges in the same election district or undivided precinct. The election of the judges of election in the various election precincts shall be made in the following manner: The county board shall select and approve 3 of the election judges in each precinct from a certified list furnished by the chair of the County Central Committee of the first leading political party in such election precinct and shall also select and approve 2 judges of election in each election precinct from a certified list furnished by the chair of the County Central Committee of the second leading political party in such election precinct. However, if only 3 judges of election serve in each election precinct, no more than 2 persons of the same political party shall be judges of election in the same election precinct; and which political party is entitled to 2 judges of election and which political party is entitled to one judge of election shall be determined in the same manner as set forth in the next two preceding sentences with regard to 5 election judges in each precinct. The respective County Central Committee chair shall notify the county board by June 1 of each odd-numbered year immediately preceding the annual meeting of the county board whether or not such certified list will be filed by such chair. Such list shall be arranged according to precincts. The chair of each county central committee shall, insofar as possible, list persons who reside within the precinct in which they are to serve as judges. However, he may, in his sole discretion, submit the names of persons who reside outside the precinct but within the county embracing the precinct in which they are to serve. He must, however, submit the names of at least 2 residents of the precinct for each precinct in which his party is to have 3 judges and must submit the name of at least one resident of the precinct for each precinct in which his party is to have 2 judges. Such certified list, if filed, shall be filed with the county clerk not less than 20 days before the annual meeting of the county board. The county board shall acknowledge in writing to each county chair the names of all persons submitted on such certified list and the total number of persons listed thereon. If no such list is filed or the list is incomplete (that is, no names or an insufficient number of names are furnished for certain election precincts), the county board shall make or complete such list from the names contained in the supplemental list provided for in Section 13-1.1. Provided, further, that in any case where a township has been or shall be redistricted, in whole or in part, subsequent to one general election for Governor, and prior to the next, the judges of election to be selected for all new or altered precincts shall be selected in that one of the methods above detailed, which shall be applicable according to the facts and circumstances of the particular case, but the majority of such judges for each such precinct shall be selected from the first leading political party, and the minority judges from the second leading political party. Provided, further, that in counties having a population of 3,000,000 inhabitants or over the selection of judges of election shall be made in the same manner in all respects as in other counties, except that the provisions relating to tally judges are inapplicable to such counties and except that the county board shall meet during the month of January for the purpose of making such selection, each township committeeperson shall assume the responsibilities given to the chair of the county central committee in this Section for the precincts within his or her township, and the township committeeperson shall notify the county board by the preceding October 1 whether or not the certified list will be filed. Such judges of election shall hold their office for 2 years from their appointment and until their successors are duly appointed in the manner provided in this Act. The county board shall fill all vacancies in the office of judges of elections at any time in the manner herein provided.

Such selections under this Section shall be confirmed by the circuit court as provided in Section 13-3 of this Article.

(Source: P.A. 100-337, eff. 8-25-17; 100-1027, eff. 1-1-19.)

(10 ILCS 5/13-2.1) (from Ch. 46, par. 13-2.1)

Sec. 13-2.1. In each county the County Clerk shall establish a training course for judges of elections not subject to Article 14 of this Act. The curriculum of such course shall be approved by the County Clerk. A suitable certificate shall be issued by the County Clerk to each student upon his satisfactory completion of the course.

Such course may be established jointly with a course in the county established as provided in Section 14-4.1 of this Act.

(Source: Laws 1961, p. 3399.)

(10 ILCS 5/13-2.2) (from Ch. 46, par. 13-2.2)

Sec. 13-2.2. Such course shall be devised so as to instruct its students in the duties of an election judge and shall consist of at least 4 hours of instruction and an examination which tests reading skills, ability to work with poll lists, ability to add and knowledge of election laws governing the operation of polling places.

Such course shall be conducted at least once after the day the report of the selection of election judges is filed in the circuit court, but before the day fixed by the court for confirmation of such selection, and once as soon as practicable after the day fixed by the court for such confirmation. Every person reported as selected to be an election judge shall be notified in good time of the place and time each such course is to be conducted. All such persons may attend such course and, upon satisfactory completion thereof, shall be entitled to a certificate of such completion.

Not later than March 1, 1981 the election authorities shall also conduct special training courses for election judges concerning the administration of the nonpartisan and consolidated elections. The State shall reimburse each county and each municipality under the jurisdiction of a board of election commissioners (except in municipalities with a population of more than 500,000) for the payment of a $10 stipend to each judge of election for attendance at such special training course.

(Source: P.A. 81-1535.)

(10 ILCS 5/13-2.5)

Sec. 13-2.5. Time off from work to serve as election judge. Any person who is appointed as an election judge under Section 13-1 or 13-2 may, after giving his or her employer at least 20 days' written notice, be absent from his or her place of work for the purpose of serving as an election judge. An employer may not penalize an employee for that absence other than a deduction in salary for the time the employee was absent from his or her place of employment. An employer may not require an employee to use earned vacation time or any form of paid leave time to serve as an election judge.

This Section does not apply to an employer with fewer than 25 employees. An employer with more than 25 employees shall not be required to permit more than 10% of the employees to be absent under this Section on the same election day.

(Source: P.A. 98-691, eff. 7-1-14.)

(10 ILCS 5/13-3) (from Ch. 46, par. 13-3)

Sec. 13-3. After the judges of election have been selected and approved as hereinbefore provided, a report of such selections shall be made by the county board and filed in the circuit court, and application shall then be made by the county board to the court for their confirmation and appointment, whereupon the court shall enter an order that cause be shown, if any exists, against the confirmation and appointment of such persons so named on or before the opening of the court on a day to be fixed by the court. The county board shall immediately give notice of such order and the names of all such judges so reported to such court for confirmation and their residence and the precinct for which they were selected by causing a notice to be published in one or more newspapers in the county and if no newspaper be published therein then by posting such notice in 5 of the most public places in the county. The notice shall state that a list of judges of election is available for public inspection in the office of the election authority. If no cause to the contrary is shown prior to the day fixed, and if, in each precinct, at least one judge representing each of the two major political parties has been certified by the county clerk as having satisfactorily completed within the preceding 6 months the training course and examination for judges of election, as provided in Section 13-2.1 and 13-2.2 of this Act, such appointment shall be confirmed by order entered by that court.

If in any precinct the requisite 2 judges have not been so certified by the county clerk as having satisfactorily completed such course and examination, the county clerk shall immediately notify all judges in that precinct, to whose appointment there is no other objection, that all such judges shall attend the next such course. The county clerk shall then certify to the court that all such judges have been so notified (and such certification need contain no detail other than a mere recital). The appointment of such judges shall then be confirmed by order entered by the court. If any judge so notified and so confirmed fails to attend the next such course, such failure shall subject such judge to possible removal from office at the option of the election authority.

If objections to the appointment of any judge be filed prior to the day fixed by the court for confirmation of judges, the court shall hear such objections and the evidence introduced in support thereof, and shall confirm or refuse to confirm such nominations as the interests of the public may require. No reasons may be given for the refusal to confirm. If any vacancy exists at any time the county board shall, subject to the provisions of Section 13-1.1, further report and nominate persons to fill such vacancies so existing in the manner aforesaid, and a court in the same way shall consider such nominations and shall confirm or refuse to confirm the same in the manner aforesaid. Upon the confirmation of such judges, at any time, a commission shall issue to each of such judges, under the seal of such court, and appropriate forms shall be prepared by the county clerk of each county for such purpose and furnished to the county board, and after confirmation and acceptance of such commission, such judges shall thereupon become officers of such court. If a vacancy occurs so late that nomination by the county board and application to and confirmation by the court cannot be had before the election, then the court shall, subject to the provisions of Section 13-1.1, make an appointment and issue a commission to such officer or officers, and when thus appointed such officer shall be considered an officer of the court and subject to the same rules as if nominated by the county board and confirmed by the court, and any judge, however appointed, and at whatever time, shall be considered an officer of court and be subject to the same control and punishment in case of misbehavior. Not more than 10 business days after the day of election, the county clerk shall compile a list containing the name, address and party affiliation of each judge of election who served on the day of election, and shall preserve such list and make it available for public inspection and copying for a period of not more than one year from the date of receipt of such list. Copies of such list shall be available for purchase at a cost not to exceed the cost of duplication. The board has the right, at any time, in case of misbehavior or neglect of duty, to remove any judge of election and cause such vacancy to be filled in accordance with this Act. Except for judges appointed under subsection (b) of Section 13-4, the board shall have the right, at any time, to remove any judge of election for failing to vote the primary ballot of the political party he represents, at a primary election at which he served as such judge, and shall cause such vacancy to be filled in accordance with this Act. The board shall remove any judge of election who, twice during the same term of office, fails to provide for the opening of the polling place at the time prescribed in Section 17-1 or Section 18-2, whichever is applicable, unless such delay can be demonstrated by the judge of election to be beyond his or her control. In the event that any judge of election is removed for cause, the board shall specify such cause in writing and make such writing a matter of public record, with a copy to be sent to the appropriate county chair who made the initial recommendation of the election judge. If any vacancies occur or exist more than 15 days before election the judges appointed to such places must be confirmed by such court. The county board shall not voluntarily remove any judge within 15 days of such election except for flagrant misbehavior, incapacity or dishonesty, and the reason therefor must afterward be reported in writing to such court and made a matter of public record, with a copy to be sent to the appropriate county chair who made the initial recommendation of the election judge. Provided further that where a vacancy in the office of judge of election exists 20 days or less prior to any election in counties having a population of 3,000,000 or more inhabitants, or where such vacancy exists 10 days or less prior to any election in counties having less than 3,000,000 inhabitants, the county clerk shall, subject to the provisions of Section 13-1.1, appoint a person of the same major political party to fill such vacancy and issue a commission thereto. The name of the officer so appointed shall be reported to the court as a matter of record and after acceptance of such commission such person shall be liable in the same manner as officers regularly appointed by the county board and confirmed by the court. The county clerk shall have the power on election day to remove without cause any judge of election appointed by the other judges of election pursuant to Section 13-7 and to appoint another judge of election to serve for that election. Such substitute judge of election must be selected, where possible, pursuant to the provisions of Section 13-1.1 and must be qualified in accordance with Section 13-4.

If any precinct has increased in voter registration beyond the maximum of 800 provided in Section 11-2, the county clerk may appoint one additional judge of election from each political party for each 200 voters in excess of 800.

(Source: P.A. 100-1027, eff. 1-1-19.)

(10 ILCS 5/13-4) (from Ch. 46, par. 13-4)

Sec. 13-4. Qualifications.

(a) All persons elected or chosen judge of election must: (1) be citizens of the United States and entitled to vote at the next election, except as provided in subsection (b) or (c); (2) be of good repute and character and not subject to the registration requirement of the Sex Offender Registration Act; (3) be able to speak, read and write the English language; (4) be skilled in the four fundamental rules of arithmetic; (5) be of good understanding and capable; (6) not be candidates for any office at the election and not be elected committeepersons; and (7) reside in the precinct in which they are selected to act, except that in each precinct, not more than one judge of each party may be appointed from outside such precinct. Any judge selected to serve in any precinct in which he is not entitled to vote must reside within and be entitled to vote elsewhere within the county which encompasses the precinct in which such judge is appointed, except as provided in subsection (b) or (c). Such judge must meet the other qualifications of this Section.

(b) An election authority may establish a program to permit a person who is not entitled to vote to be appointed as an election judge if, as of the date of the election at which the person serves as a judge, he or she:

(1) is a U.S. citizen;

(2) is a junior or senior in good standing enrolled in a public or private secondary school;

(3) has a cumulative grade point average equivalent to at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;

(4) has the written approval of the principal of the secondary school he or she attends at the time of appointment;

(5) has the written approval of his or her parent or legal guardian;

(6) has satisfactorily completed the training course for judges of election described in Sections 13-2.1 and 13-2.2; and

(7) meets all other qualifications for appointment and service as an election judge.

No more than one election judge qualifying under this subsection may serve per political party per precinct. Prior to appointment, a judge qualifying under this subsection must certify in writing to the election authority the political party the judge chooses to affiliate with.

Students appointed as election judges under this subsection shall not be counted as absent from school on the day they serve as judges.

(c) An election authority may establish a program to permit a person who is not entitled to vote in that precinct or county to be appointed as an election judge if, as of the date of the election at which the person serves as a judge, he or she:

(1) is a U.S. citizen;

(2) is currently enrolled in a community college, as defined in the Public Community College Act, or a public or private Illinois university or college;

(3) has a cumulative grade point average equivalent to at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;

(4) has satisfactorily completed the training course for judges of election described in Sections 13-2.1 and 13-2.2; and

(5) meets all other qualifications for appointment and service as an election judge.

No more than one election judge qualifying under this subsection may serve per political party per precinct. Prior to appointment, a judge qualifying under this subsection must certify in writing to the election authority the political party the judge chooses to affiliate with.

Students appointed as election judges under this subsection shall not be counted as absent from school on the day they serve as judges.

(Source: P.A. 100-1027, eff. 1-1-19.)

(10 ILCS 5/13-5) (from Ch. 46, par. 13-5)

Sec. 13-5. Immediately on the appointment of such judges, the county clerk shall notify each judge of election of his appointment.

(Source: Laws 1957, p. 1450.)

(10 ILCS 5/13-6) (from Ch. 46, par. 13-6)

Sec. 13-6. The judges so appointed shall be and continue judges of all elections held within their respective precincts or districts, until other judges shall be appointed in like manner.

(Source: P.A. 80-1469.)

(10 ILCS 5/13-6.1) (from Ch. 46, par. 13-6.1)

Sec. 13-6.1. Each judge of election shall be identified as such by a suitable badge or label authorized and issued by the county clerk and bearing the date of the election for which issued. On such badge, the judge shall print his or her name and the ward, township or road district and precinct number in which he or she is serving.

(Source: P.A. 84-971.)

(10 ILCS 5/13-6.2) (from Ch. 46, par. 13-6.2)

Sec. 13-6.2. For each precinct in which there are 2 teams of judges, the county clerk shall designate 2 of the judges of election, one from each political party, as holdover judges. The holdover judges shall be on duty during the entire time from the opening of the polls until the conclusion of the counting of the vote.

(Source: P.A. 76-1224.)

(10 ILCS 5/13-7) (from Ch. 46, par. 13-7)

Sec. 13-7. If, at the time of the opening of any election, or at the time the polls are closed in the case of a judge designated to count the votes, any person appointed or constituted a judge of election shall not be present, or will not act or take the oath to act in such capacity the judge or judges present may appoint some other qualified elector having the same qualifications and who is affiliated with the same political party, as the one refusing to take the oath or refusing to act or serve in his place. If there be no judges of election present, or if they refuse to act, such electors of the precinct as may then be present at the place of election, may fill the places of such judges of election by election from their number. After the polls are open, if any judge becomes ill or if any member of his immediate family becomes ill, such judge may be excused from further attendance, and the remaining judges may appoint some other qualified elector, having the same qualifications who is affiliated with the same political party as the judge excused, to act in his place. The judges so appointed shall have the same power and be subject to the same penalties as the other judges of election.

(Source: P.A. 76-1224.)

(10 ILCS 5/13-8) (from Ch. 46, par. 13-8)

Sec. 13-8. Before any vote is taken, the judges of the election shall severally subscribe and take an oath or affirmation, in the following form:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be), that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of judge of election, according to the best of my ability, and (in the case of a registered voter, that I am entitled to vote at this election)."

(Source: P.A. 91-352, eff. 1-1-00.)

(10 ILCS 5/13-9) (from Ch. 46, par. 13-9)

Sec. 13-9. In case there is no judge present at the opening of the election, or in case such judge is appointed a judge of election, the judges of the election may administer the oath or affirmation to each other; and the person administering such oath or affirmation, shall cause an entry thereof to be made and subscribed by him, and prefixed to each poll book, or if there be no poll book on a separate sheet or form.

(Source: Laws 1963, p. 1135.)

(10 ILCS 5/13-10) (from Ch. 46, par. 13-10)

Sec. 13-10. The compensation of the judges of all primaries and all elections, except judges supervising vote by mail ballots as provided in Section 19-12.2 of this Act, in counties of less than 600,000 inhabitants shall be fixed by the respective county boards or boards of election commissioners in all counties and municipalities, but in no case shall such compensation be less than $35 per day. The compensation of judges of all primaries and all elections not under the jurisdiction of the county clerk, except judges supervising vote by mail balloting as provided in Section 19-12.2 of this Act, in counties having a population of 2,000,000 or more shall be not less than $60 per day. The compensation of judges of all primaries and all elections under the jurisdiction of the county clerk, except judges supervising vote by mail balloting as provided in Section 19-12.2 of this Act, in counties having a population of 2,000,000 or more shall be not less than $60 per day. The compensation of judges of all primaries and all elections, except judges supervising vote by mail ballots as provided in Section 19-12.2 of this Act, in counties having a population of at least 600,000 but less than 2,000,000 inhabitants shall be not less than $45 per day as fixed by the county board of election commissioners of each such county. In addition to their per day compensation and notwithstanding the limitations thereon stated herein, the judges of election, in all counties with a population of less than 600,000, shall be paid $3 each for each 100 voters or portion thereof, in excess of 200 voters voting for candidates in the election district or precinct wherein the judge is serving, whether a primary or an election is being held. However, no such extra compensation shall be paid to the judges of election in any precinct in which no paper ballots are counted by such judges of election. The 2 judges of election in counties having a population of less than 600,000 who deliver the returns to the county clerk shall each be allowed and paid a sum to be determined by the election authority for such services and an additional sum per mile to be determined by the election authority for every mile necessarily travelled in going to and returning from the office or place to which they deliver the returns. The compensation for mileage shall be consistent with current rates paid for mileage to employees of the county.

However, all judges who have been certified by the County Clerk or Board of Election Commissioners as having satisfactorily completed, within the 2 years preceding the day of election, the training course for judges of election, as provided in Sections 13-2.1, 13-2.2 and 14-4.1 of this Act, shall receive additional compensation of not less than $10 per day in counties of less than 600,000 inhabitants, the additional compensation of not less than $10 per day in counties having a population of at least 600,000 but less than 2,000,000 inhabitants as fixed by the county board of election commissioners of each such county, and additional compensation of not less than $20 per day in counties having a population of 2,000,000 or more for primaries and elections not under the jurisdiction of the county clerk, and additional compensation of not less than $20 per day in counties having a population of 2,000,000 or more for primaries and elections under the jurisdiction of the county clerk.

In precincts in which there are tally judges, the compensation of the tally judges shall be 2/3 of that of the judges of election and each holdover judge shall be paid the compensation of a judge of election plus that of a tally judge.

Beginning on the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1998, the portion of an election judge's daily compensation reimbursed by the State Board of Elections is increased by $15. The increase provided by this amendatory Act of 1998 must be used to increase each judge's compensation and may not be used by the county to reduce its portion of a judge's compensation.

Beginning on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 95th General Assembly, the portion of an election judge's daily compensation reimbursement by the State Board of Elections is increased by an additional $20. The increase provided by this amendatory Act of the 95th General Assembly must be used to increase each judge's compensation and may not be used by the election authority or election jurisdiction to reduce its portion of a judge's compensation.

Beginning on the effective date of the changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly, the portion of an election judge's daily compensation reimbursement by the State Board of Elections is increased by an additional $20. The increase provided by this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly must be used to increase each judge's compensation and may not be used by the election authority or election jurisdiction to reduce its portion of a judge's compensation.

(Source: P.A. 103-8, eff. 7-1-23.)

(10 ILCS 5/13-10a) (from Ch. 46, par. 13-10a; formerly Ch. 46, pars. 901, 902, 903, 904, 905 and 906)

Sec. 13-10a. Compensation of judges of special district referenda.

(a) Unless compensation is otherwise provided by law, if a county or municipality elects to compensate a judge of election who serves a referendum that has been called to create a special district, the judge shall be compensated in the same amount as provided for judges of election in Section 13-10.

(b) Where the proposed special district being voted upon in an election is wholly included in, or is coterminous with, a municipality, the cost of compensating the judges of election may be borne by the municipality.

(c) Where the proposed special district being voted upon in an election does not fall entirely within one municipality, the cost of compensating the judges of election may be borne by the county, and where the district includes territory in more than one county, the compensation costs may be apportioned between or among the counties according to the number of precincts within each county that lie in the proposed district.

(d) Where the referendum for a special district is ordered by a court, and the judges of election are appointed by the court, the court, at the request of a municipality or county, shall assess the cost of compensating the election judges and shall submit a bill for payment to the municipality or county.

(e) Where the referendum for a special district is conducted by a county clerk or by a board of election commissioners, the clerk or board, at the request of a municipality or county, shall assess the cost of compensation of election judges, and shall submit a bill for payment to the municipality or county.

(f) No judge of election who is compensated for services as an election judge under any other Section or Act shall be compensated for simultaneous service in a referendum under the provisions of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 87-1052.)

(10 ILCS 5/13-10.1) (from Ch. 46, par. 13-10.1)

Sec. 13-10.1. Whenever a county board requires any township supervisor to oversee the conduct of any election necessitating the personal attendance of such supervisor at two or more polling places, the county board shall compensate such supervisor at the same rate as is paid to a judge of election.

(Source: Laws 1957, p. 2248.)

(10 ILCS 5/13-11) (from Ch. 46, par. 13-11)

Sec. 13-11. It shall be the duty of the county clerk, on the receipt of the election returns of any general or special election, to make out his certificate, stating the compensation to which the judges of each election may be entitled for their services, and lay the same before the county board at its next session; and the board shall order the compensation aforesaid to be paid out of the county treasury. The State Board of Elections shall reimburse such county in the amount of the increase in compensation provided in Public Acts 81-850 and 81-1149 and by this amendatory Act of 1998.

(Source: P.A. 90-672, eff. 7-31-98.)

(10 ILCS 5/13-16) (from Ch. 46, par. 13-16)

Sec. 13-16. Any peace officer attending such election may call to his aid a sufficient number of citizens to arrest any disorderly person or suppress any riot or disorder during the election. Whoever conducts himself in a riotous or disorderly manner at any election, and persists in such conduct after being warned to desist, may be arrested without warrant.

(Source: Laws 1965, p. 301.)

(10 ILCS 5/Art. 14 heading) ARTICLE 14. JUDGES (IN MUNICIPALITIES UNDER BOARDS OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS)

(10 ILCS 5/14-1) (from Ch. 46, par. 14-1)

Sec. 14-1. (a) The board of election commissioners established or existing under Article 6 shall, at the time and in the manner provided in Section 14-3.1, select and choose 5 persons, men or women, as judges of election for each precinct in such city, village or incorporated town.

Where neither voting machines nor electronic, mechanical or electric voting systems are used, the board of election commissioners may, for any precinct with respect to which the board considers such action necessary or desirable in view of the number of voters, and shall for general elections for any precinct containing more than 600 registered voters, appoint in addition to the 5 judges of election a team of 5 tally judges. In such precincts the judges of election shall preside over the election during the hours the polls are open, and the tally judges, with the assistance of the holdover judges designated pursuant to Section 14-5.2, shall count the vote after the closing of the polls. The tally judges shall possess the same qualifications and shall be appointed in the same manner and with the same division between political parties as is provided for judges of election. The foregoing provisions relating to the appointment of tally judges are inapplicable in counties with a population of 1,000,000 or more.

(b) To qualify as judges the persons must:

(1) be citizens of the United States;

(2) be of good repute and character and not subject to the registration requirement of the Sex Offender Registration Act;

(3) be able to speak, read and write the English language;

(4) be skilled in the 4 fundamental rules of arithmetic;

(5) be of good understanding and capable;

(6) not be candidates for any office at the election and not be elected committeepersons;

(7) reside and be entitled to vote in the precinct in which they are selected to serve, except that in each precinct not more than one judge of each party may be appointed from outside such precinct. Any judge so appointed to serve in any precinct in which he is not entitled to vote must be entitled to vote elsewhere within the county which encompasses the precinct in which such judge is appointed and such judge must otherwise meet the qualifications of this Section, except as provided in subsection (c) or (c-5).

(c) An election authority may establish a program to permit a person who is not entitled to vote to be appointed as an election judge if, as of the date of the election at which the person serves as a judge, he or she:

(1) is a U.S. citizen;

(2) is a junior or senior in good standing enrolled in a public or private secondary school;

(3) has a cumulative grade point average equivalent to at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;

(4) has the written approval of the principal of the secondary school he or she attends at the time of appointment;

(5) has the written approval of his or her parent or legal guardian;

(6) has satisfactorily completed the training course for judges of election described in Sections 13-2.1, 13-2.2, and 14-4.1; and

(7) meets all other qualifications for appointment and service as an election judge.

No more than one election judge qualifying under this subsection may serve per political party per precinct. Prior to appointment, a judge qualifying under this subsection must certify in writing to the election authority the political party the judge chooses to affiliate with.

Students appointed as election judges under this subsection shall not be counted as absent from school on the day they serve as judges.

(c-5) An election authority may establish a program to permit a person who is not entitled to vote in that precinct or county to be appointed as an election judge if, as of the date of the election at which the person serves as a judge, he or she:

(1) is a U.S. citizen;

(2) is currently enrolled in a community college, as defined in the Public Community College Act, or a public or private Illinois university or college;

(3) has a cumulative grade point average equivalent to at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;

(4) has satisfactorily completed the training course for judges of election described in Sections 13-2.1, 13-2.2, and 14-4.1; and

(5) meets all other qualifications for appointment and service as an election judge.

No more than one election judge qualifying under this subsection may serve per political party per precinct. Prior to appointment, a judge qualifying under this subsection must certify in writing to the election authority the political party the judge chooses to affiliate with.

Students appointed as election judges under this subsection shall not be counted as absent from school on the day they serve as judges.

(d) The board of election commissioners may select 2 additional judges of election, one from each of the major political parties, for each 200 voters in excess of 600 in any precinct having more than 600 voters as authorized by Section 11-3. These additional judges must meet the qualifications prescribed in this Section.

(Source: P.A. 100-1027, eff. 1-1-19.)