Illinois Statutes Chapter 10. Elections § 5/18-3. Opening, exhibition and closing of ballot boxes; removal of any obstruction of view

§ 18-3. (a) Before voting begins in such municipalities the ballot box shall be empty; and shall be opened and shown to those present to be empty, after which it shall be locked and the key delivered to one of the judges, and it shall not be removed from public view from the time when it is shown to be empty until after the close of the polls. It shall remain locked and shall not be again opened until after the close of the polls. This paragraph (a) applies whenever permanent type ballot boxes are used, and does not apply when non-permanent type ballot boxes are used in accordance with section 15-4, paragraph (b).

(b) When non-permanent type ballot boxes are used in accordance with section 15-4, paragraph (b), prior to the commencement of voting and before any ballots are deposited therein, the judges shall examine each sealed ballot box, show it to those present and insure that it is in fact sealed and empty; the sealed slot shall be broken open before those present and the box inspected to insure that it is empty and such ballot box shall not be removed from public view from the time it is so inspected until after the close of the polls. This sealed opening on the side of the box shall not be unsealed or opened until after the close of the polls.

(c) Regardless of whether a permanent type or a non-permanent type ballot boxes are used, the judges of election shall keep such ballot box constantly in public view during the progress of the election. If any barricade or other obstruction of any kind is, prior to or during such election, interposed, so that all who desire cannot constantly see such ballot box, the judges shall remove such obstruction on request or on their own motion, and if such obstruction is not removed on request, any sheriff or police officer shall remove the same on request. Any court has jurisdiction, on complaint, to issue a warrant to the sheriff of the county to remove such obstruction as a nuisance; and in executing such warrant he may call any person to his assistance, and no other officer of the law or private individual shall interpose or interfere with such removal.