Section 209.70  Alternative Means for Casting Ballots at Inaccessible Polling Places

a)         In those instances where an exemption has been granted pursuant to Section 209.50 of this Part, or where an alternate polling place which is not in compliance with Section 209.30 of this Part is established under Section 209.60 of this Part, any handicapped or elderly voter who is prevented from entering the polling place shall be entitled to request that a ballot be delivered to such voter at the point where the voter is unable to continue toward the polling place.  However, no ballot shall be delivered to such voter beyond the farthest point of inaccessibility along the circulation route.

b)         The voter shall certify to the election authority not later than the close of business on the day before the election, on a form prescribed by the State Board of Elections, that he or she is unable to enter the polling place and that he or she is requesting that a ballot be delivered to the voter at the point where he or she is unable to continue toward the polling place.  However, no ballot shall be delivered to such voter beyond the farthest point of inaccessibility along the circulation route.

c)         Two judges of election, not of the same political party, shall deliver to the voter the appropriate ballot to which the voter is entitled, a portable voting booth or other enclosure that will allow the voter to mark his or her ballot in secrecy and a marking device. (Section 7-47.1(b) of the Act)

d)         In those instances where an established polling place has been moved after notice of the polling place location has been published by the local election authority, any handicapped voter may request that a ballot be delivered at a point where he or she is unable to continue toward the polling place; but in no case more than 50 feet from the entrance to the building in which the polling place is located.  This request can be made at any time up through and including election day.

e)         The voter must complete the entire voting process, including the application for ballot from which the judges of election shall compare the voter's signature with the signature on his or her registration record card in the precinct binder.  (Section 7-47.1(c) of the Act)

f)         After the voter has marked his or her ballot and placed it in the ballot envelope or security sleeve (or folded it in the manner prescribed for paper ballot), the 2 judges of election shall return the ballot to the polling place and give it to the judges in charge of the ballot box who shall deposit it therein.  (Section 7-47.1(c) of the Act)

g)         No assistance may be given to the voter in marking his or her ballot, unless the voter request such assistance and completes the affidavit required by Section 17-14 of the Election Code. (Sections 7-47.1(c) and 17-14 of the Act)