Office of the
Illinois Attorney General
Kwame Raoul

Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued a statement to remind voters that the Department of Justice has historically utilized poll monitors during elections to ensure compliance with federal voting laws. Raoul also assured voters that federal poll monitors cannot interfere with the administration of elections in any way.

“Federal poll monitors are not new to this election. Historically, the Department of Justice has deployed monitors to ensure compliance with federal voting laws, and we understand that the department will undertake those efforts on Election Day in a small number of polling locations in the state of Illinois and across the country. My office has been in contact with the DOJ, and we have no reason to believe that monitors will be engaged in anything inconsistent with traditional monitoring efforts. These monitors must present credentials when they enter polling places. Like any poll watcher, they must follow the instructions of election judges, and they cannot inspect, touch or seize ballots or voting equipment, decide which votes are counted, or interfere with election administration in any way. They can only interact with voters with the voter’s consent. It is important for voters to know that the DOJ’s monitors are a standard part of our election process, and we expect they will comply with state and federal law. But make no mistake, my office stands ready to hold accountable those who attempt to unlawfully interfere with or intimidate Illinois voters or election workers, regardless of who they may be.

“The U.S. Constitution gives states the responsibility of administering elections, and Illinois residents should rest assured that we are focused on facilitating – not limiting – their access to the ballot box. The Attorney General’s office is in close contact with state and local election authorities, and we remain confident that our elections are safe and secure. As we do with every election, we are working diligently to ensure that voters’ rights are protected, and polling places are accessible. The right to vote is our most fundamental right as Americans, and it is imperative that, regardless of who you vote for or how you vote, you make your voice heard by or on Nov. 3.”