Illinois 95th Regular Session Status: Enacted 1 D cosponsors

SB 299 — ELEC CD-CIVIC POLLWATCHERS

Last action — Public Act . . . . . . . . . 95-0267

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed Senate
  4. ✓
    Passed House
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 07, 2007. Enacted.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 82% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

High

How often bills like it became law.

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 15 sponsors

    0 primary, 15 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (1 D).

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 2 recorded votes so far.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Summary

Amends the Election Code. Permits State non-partisan civic organizations that meet certain criteria to appoint precinct pollwatchers. Effective immediately.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

16 added · 16 removed

Plain-language change summary

The latest version of Bill SB 299 removes a series of lines from the previous version, indicating significant changes were made. Though the specific content of the lines isn't detailed here, these adjustments suggest a revision of important elements or perhaps a simplification of the bill. This matters because such changes can impact how the bill is perceived and its effectiveness in achieving its goals.

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SB0299 Engrossed LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b AN ACT concerning elections.
SB0299 Enrolled LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b AN ACT concerning elections.
(3) Each organization of citizens within the county or political subdivision, which has among its purposes or interests the investigation or prosecution of election frauds, and which shall have registered its name and address and the names and addresses of its principal officers with the proper election authority at least 40 days before the primary election, shall be entitled to appoint one pollwatcher per SB0299 Engrossed - 2 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b precinct.
(3) Each organization of citizens within the county or political subdivision, which has among its purposes or interests the investigation or prosecution of election frauds, and which shall have registered its name and address and the names and addresses of its principal officers with the proper election authority at least 40 days before the primary election, shall be entitled to appoint one pollwatcher per SB0299 Enrolled - 2 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b precinct.
and (iii) continuously maintains an office or business location within the State of Illinois, together with a current listed telephone number (a post office box number without a current listed telephone number is not SB0299 Engrossed - 3 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b sufficient).
and (iii) continuously maintains an office or business location within the State of Illinois, together with a current listed telephone number (a post office box number without a current listed telephone number is not SB0299 Enrolled - 3 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b sufficient).
Such credentials shall be authorized by the real or facsimile signature of the State or local party official or the candidate or the presiding officer of the civic organization or the chairman of the proponent or opponent group, as the case may SB0299 Engrossed - 4 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b be.
Such credentials shall be authorized by the real or facsimile signature of the State or local party official or the candidate or the presiding officer of the civic organization or the chairman of the proponent or opponent group, as the case may SB0299 Enrolled - 4 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b be.
SB0299 Engrossed - 5 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b (Precinct and/or Ward in (Signature of Pollwatcher) Which Pollwatcher Resides) Pollwatchers must present their credentials to the Judges of Election upon entering the polling place.
SB0299 Enrolled - 5 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b (Precinct and/or Ward in (Signature of Pollwatcher) Which Pollwatcher Resides) Pollwatchers must present their credentials to the Judges of Election upon entering the polling place.
Candidates seeking office in a district or municipality SB0299 Engrossed - 6 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b encompassing 2 or more counties shall be admitted to any and all polling places throughout such district or municipality without regard to the counties in which such candidates are registered to vote.
Candidates seeking office in a district or municipality SB0299 Enrolled - 6 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b encompassing 2 or more counties shall be admitted to any and all polling places throughout such district or municipality without regard to the counties in which such candidates are registered to vote.
In accordance with the provisions of the Election Code, I SB0299 Engrossed - 7 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b ......
In accordance with the provisions of the Election Code, I SB0299 Enrolled - 7 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b ......
SB0299 Engrossed - 8 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b If a majority of the judges of election determine that the polling place has become too overcrowded with pollwatchers so as to interfere with the orderly conduct of the election, the judges shall, by lot, limit such pollwatchers to a reasonable number, except that each candidate and each established or new political party shall be permitted to have at least one pollwatcher present.
SB0299 Enrolled - 8 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b If a majority of the judges of election determine that the polling place has become too overcrowded with pollwatchers so as to interfere with the orderly conduct of the election, the judges shall, by lot, limit such pollwatchers to a reasonable number, except that each candidate and each established or new political party shall be permitted to have at least one pollwatcher present.
Pollwatchers in a general election shall be SB0299 Engrossed - 9 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b authorized in the following manner:
Pollwatchers in a general election shall be SB0299 Enrolled - 9 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b authorized in the following manner:
The SB0299 Engrossed - 10 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b pollwatchers must be registered to vote in Illinois.
The SB0299 Enrolled - 10 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b pollwatchers must be registered to vote in Illinois.
(5) Each organized group of proponents or opponents of a SB0299 Engrossed - 11 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b ballot proposition, which shall have registered the name and address of its organization or committee and the name and address of its chairman with the proper election authority at least 40 days before the election, shall be entitled to appoint one pollwatcher per precinct.
(5) Each organized group of proponents or opponents of a SB0299 Enrolled - 11 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b ballot proposition, which shall have registered the name and address of its organization or committee and the name and address of its chairman with the proper election authority at least 40 days before the election, shall be entitled to appoint one pollwatcher per precinct.
(name), State of Illinois and who is duly SB0299 Engrossed - 12 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b registered to vote from this address, to act as a pollwatcher in the ...........
(name), State of Illinois and who is duly SB0299 Enrolled - 12 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b registered to vote from this address, to act as a pollwatcher in the ...........
Such credentials are retained by the Judges and returned to the Election Authority at the end of the day of election with the SB0299 Engrossed - 13 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b other election materials.
Such credentials are retained by the Judges and returned to the Election Authority at the end of the day of election with the SB0299 Enrolled - 13 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b other election materials.
SB0299 Engrossed - 14 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b Candidates seeking office in a district or municipality encompassing 2 or more counties who desire to be admitted to polling places on election day in such district or municipality shall be required to have proper credentials.
SB0299 Enrolled - 14 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b Candidates seeking office in a district or municipality encompassing 2 or more counties who desire to be admitted to polling places on election day in such district or municipality shall be required to have proper credentials.
(Signature of Candidate)              OFFICE FOR WHICH                                       CANDIDATE SEEKS                                       NOMINATION OR                                       ELECTION SB0299 Engrossed - 15 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b Pollwatchers shall be permitted to observe all proceedings and view all reasonably requested records relating to the conduct of the election, provided the secrecy of the ballot is not impinged, and to station themselves in a position in the voting room as will enable them to observe the judges making the signature comparison between the voter application and the voter registration record card;
(Signature of Candidate)              OFFICE FOR WHICH                                       CANDIDATE SEEKS                                       NOMINATION OR                                       ELECTION SB0299 Enrolled - 15 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b Pollwatchers shall be permitted to observe all proceedings and view all reasonably requested records relating to the conduct of the election, provided the secrecy of the ballot is not impinged, and to station themselves in a position in the voting room as will enable them to observe the judges making the signature comparison between the voter application and the voter registration record card;
Representatives of an election authority, with regard to an election under its jurisdiction, the State Board of Elections, and law enforcement agencies, including but not limited to a United States Attorney, a State’s attorney, the Attorney SB0299 Engrossed - 16 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b General, and a State, county, or local police department, in the performance of their official election duties, shall be permitted at all times to enter and remain in the polling place.
Representatives of an election authority, with regard to an election under its jurisdiction, the State Board of Elections, and law enforcement agencies, including but not limited to a United States Attorney, a State’s attorney, the Attorney SB0299 Enrolled - 16 - LRB095 10800 JAM 31048 b General, and a State, county, or local police department, in the performance of their official election duties, shall be permitted at all times to enter and remain in the polling place.
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Action History

  1. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 95-0267

  2. Effective Date August 17, 2007

  3. Governor Approved

  4. Sent to the Governor

  5. Passed Both Houses

  6. Third Reading - Extended Debate - Passed 078-037-000

  7. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Extended Debate

  8. Removed from Short Debate Status

  9. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Esther Golar

  10. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Deborah L. Graham

  11. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Constance A. Howard

  12. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Cynthia Soto

  13. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez

  14. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia

  15. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Jack D. Franks

  16. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Eddie Washington

  17. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie

  18. Alternate Co-Sponsor Removed Rep. Bob Biggins

  19. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Mike Fortner

  20. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate

  21. Second Reading - Short Debate

  22. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Sandra M. Pihos

  23. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. LaShawn K. Ford

  24. Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Robert W. Pritchard

  25. Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate

  26. Do Pass / Short Debate Elections & Campaign Reform Committee; 006-000-003

  27. Assigned to Elections & Campaign Reform Committee

  28. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Bob Biggins

  29. Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Edward J. Acevedo

  30. Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Al Riley

  31. Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Elizabeth Coulson

  32. Alternate Chief Sponsor Changed to Rep. Elaine Nekritz

  33. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Naomi D. Jakobsson

  34. Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Karen A. Yarbrough

  35. Referred to Rules Committee

  36. First Reading

  37. Chief House Sponsor Rep. Elizabeth Coulson

  38. Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading

  39. Arrived in House

  40. Third Reading - Passed; 057-000-000

  41. Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Don Harmon

  42. Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. M. Maggie Crotty

  43. Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Dan Kotowski

  44. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading March 6, 2007

  45. Second Reading

  46. Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Pamela J. Althoff

  47. Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading March 2, 2007

  48. Do Pass Local Government; 009-000-000

  49. Assigned to Local Government

  50. Referred to Rules

  51. First Reading

  52. Filed with Secretary by Sen. Debbie DeFrancesco Halvorson

Sponsors

  • Costa Howard · Cosponsor
  • Debbie DeFrancesco Halvorson · Cosponsor
  • Karen A. Yarbrough · Cosponsor
  • Naomi D. Jakobsson · Cosponsor
  • La Shawn K. Ford · Cosponsor
  • Sandra M. Pihos · Cosponsor
  • Mike Fortner · Cosponsor
  • Barbara Flynn Currie · Cosponsor
  • Eddie Washington · Cosponsor
  • Jack D. Franks · Cosponsor
  • Cynthia Soto · Cosponsor
  • Deborah L. Graham · Cosponsor
  • Esther Golar · Cosponsor
  • Lisa Hernandez · Cosponsor
  • Chapa LaVia · Cosponsor

Sponsorship breakdown

Export CSV (upgrade) →

0 sponsors · 15 co-sponsors · 168 not signed on · 3 voted No

Sponsors (0)

None.

Co-sponsors (15)

Not signed on (168)

168 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 168 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Third Reading

Passed 78 Yea · 37 Nay · 3 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Unaffiliated 683403
Democrat 9000
Republican 1300
Total 783703
% of votes cast 66%31%0%3%
How each member voted (118)
Member Party Vote
Munson — Yea
Graham — Yea
Jefferson — Yea
Krause — Yea
Lang — Yea
Lindner — Yea
McCarthy — Yea
Mendoza — Yea
Moffitt — Yea
Molaro — Yea
Mulligan — Yea
Reitz — Yea
Nekritz — Yea
Lyons — Yea
Scully — Yea
Soto — Yea
Turner — Yea
Verschoore — Yea
McGuire — Yea
Bradley, John — Yea
Bradley, Richard — Yea
Mitchell, Jerry — Yea
Burke — Yea
Hannig — Yea
Harris — Yea
Hernandez — Yea
Cole — Yea
Colvin — Yea
Dugan — Yea
Dunkin — Yea
Durkin — Yea
Flider — Yea
Flowers — Yea
Franks — Yea
Fritchey — Yea
Golar — Yea
Gordon — Yea
Granberg — Yea
Hamos — Yea
Leitch — Nay
Howard — Yea
Madigan — Yea
McAuliffe — Nay
Davis, Monique — Yea
Meyer — Nay
Myers — Nay
Patterson — Not Voting
Phelps — Yea
Pihos — Yea
Schock — Nay
Sommer — Nay
Brady — Nay
Mitchell, Bill — Nay
Sullivan — Nay
Tryon — Nay
Wait — Nay
Watson — Nay
Washington — Yea
Winters — Yea
Yarbrough — Yea
Younge — Yea
Coladipietro — Nay
Coulson — Yea
Cross — Nay
Cultra — Nay
Currie — Yea
D'Amico — Yea
Dunn — Nay
Eddy — Nay
Hassert — Nay
Holbrook — Yea
Jakobsson — Yea
Jefferies — Not Voting
Kosel — Nay
Osmond — Nay
Osterman — Yea
Poe — Yea
Pritchard — Yea
Ramey — Nay
Reboletti — Nay
Reis — Nay
Riley — Yea
Ryg — Yea
Sacia — Nay
Saviano — Nay
Schmitz — Nay
Acevedo — Yea
Arroyo — Yea
Bassi — Nay
Beaubien — Nay
Mathias — Nay
Beiser — Yea
Bellock — Nay
Berrios — Yea
Mautino — Yea
Biggins — Nay
Black — Nay
Boland — Yea
May — Not Voting
Bost — Nay
Brauer — Nay
Brosnahan — Yea
Fortner — Yea
Froehlich — Yea
Chapa LaVia — Yea
Fred Crespo Democrat Yea
Jay Hoffman Democrat Yea
La Shawn K. Ford Democrat Yea
Lakesia Collins Democrat Yea
Nicholas K. Smith Democrat Yea
Patrick J. Joyce Democrat Yea
Robert "Bob" Rita Democrat Yea
Sara Feigenholtz Democrat Yea
William "Will" Davis Democrat Yea
Brad Stephens Republican Nay
Chapin Rose Republican Nay
Chris Miller Republican Yea
Jil Tracy Republican Nay

Official roll call →

Third Reading

Passed 57 Yea · 0 Nay · 2 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Unaffiliated 47002
Democrat 9000
Republican 1000
Total 57002
% of votes cast 97%0%0%3%
How each member voted (59)
Member Party Vote
Halvorson — Yea
Hultgren — Yea
Demuzio — Yea
Kotowski — Yea
Lauzen — Yea
Raoul — Yea
Clayborne — Not Voting
Dillard — Yea
Link — Yea
Luechtefeld — Yea
Meeks — Yea
Millner — Yea
Noland — Yea
Radogno — Yea
Schoenberg — Yea
Sieben — Yea
Brady — Yea
Silverstein — Yea
Trotter — Yea
Sullivan — Yea
Munoz — Yea
Viverito — Yea
Wilhelmi — Yea
Cullerton — Yea
Jacobs — Yea
Watson — Yea
Jones, J. — Yea
Cronin — Yea
Crotty — Yea
Dahl — Yea
DeLeo — Yea
Forby — Yea
Frerichs — Yea
Haine — Yea
Hendon — Yea
Pankau — Not Voting
Peterson — Yea
Righter — Yea
Risinger — Yea
Ronen — Yea
Rutherford — Yea
Sandoval — Yea
Maloney — Yea
Althoff — Yea
Martinez — Yea
Bomke — Yea
Bond — Yea
Burzynski — Yea
Garrett — Yea
David Koehler Democrat Yea
Don Harmon Democrat Yea
Emil Jones, III Democrat Yea
Eva-Dina Delgado Democrat Yea
Kimberly A. Lightford Democrat Yea
Lakesia Collins Democrat Yea
Laura M. Murphy Democrat Yea
Linda Holmes Democrat Yea
Mattie Hunter Democrat Yea
Dave Syverson Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

elections
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

What does SB 299 do?
Amends the Election Code. Permits State non-partisan civic organizations that meet certain criteria to appoint precinct pollwatchers. Effective immediately.
Who sponsors SB 299?
SB 299 is sponsored by Costa Howard, Debbie DeFrancesco Halvorson, Karen A. Yarbrough, Naomi D. Jakobsson, La Shawn K. Ford (Democrat), Sandra M. Pihos, Mike Fortner, Barbara Flynn Currie, Eddie Washington, Jack D. Franks, Cynthia Soto, Deborah L. Graham, Esther Golar, Hernandez, Lisa, and Chapa LaVia.
What is the current status of SB 299?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 07, 2007. Enacted.
Where can I track SB 299?
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