(10 ILCS 5/18-3) (from Ch. 46, par. 18-3)
Sec. 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.
(Source: P.A. 79-1364.)
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