DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison is leading the charge with a measure that would prohibit law enforcement agents to enter and remain in a polling place.

“Voting is a right each of us are afforded, providing us with a sense of pride, giving us dignity that our voices have been heard, and ensuring we are making a positive impact on our future. But when law enforcement agents are present, it feels like we are being watched or might make a mistake,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It is imperative that we protect our civic duty from fears of intimidation, especially as the federal government looks to regulate upcoming elections.”

The measure would prohibit a federal, state or local law enforcement agent to enter and remain in a room utilized as a polling place, unless the agent is called upon by the election authority or court order. It would clarify that law enforcement agents are permitted to serve as a poll watcher, but would require the election authority to ensure that a law enforcement agent has valid poll watcher credentials when entering and remaining in the polling place. 

Additionally, the measure would clarify that the prohibition for law enforcement agents does not apply to other spaces within a municipal building, school, or place of worship that are not specifically being used as a polling place. This would allow a law enforcement agent to enter a school being used as a polling place when students or staff are present and a school official has a reasonable belief there is an imminent threat to the safety of students and staff, as well as places of worship.

It also would add that engaging in a practice that is intended to intimidate a voter within a 100-foot boundary of a polling location, is prohibited.

“By prohibiting law enforcement agents from entering and remaining in a polling place, we are enriching voter access and ensuring that everyone has the chance to participate in a free and fair election process,” said Morrison.

Senate Bill 2726 is assigned to the Senate Elections Subcommittee and awaits to be heard.