Illinois voters may use phones in booth, but cannot post selfies

Voters in Illinois may bring their mobile phones into voting booths on November 3, provided they use the devices for permissible purposes. State rules allow citizens to consult written or printed materials while marking their ballots. This permission extends to digital content, meaning a voter may read a list of candidates or notes stored on a smartphone screen.

The Illinois Board of Elections maintains that voting choices remain confidential. Voters do not receive a copy of their completed ballot. The board stated that the confidentiality of selections is protected, even from election officials. This principle ensures that choices remain private while allowing for transparency in voter participation. Although voter records indicate participation and the party ballot chosen in primary elections, the specific votes cast remain private.

One major restriction exists regarding phone usage: voters cannot take a photograph of their marked ballot. State law prohibits ballot selfies. Specifically, it is a felony to mark a ballot in a way that allows another person to see how the voter cast their vote. The offense carries a potential prison sentence of one to three years. While election officials have noted that prosecution for this specific violation is unlikely, the rule remains in effect.

Election officials encourage voters to capture the moment in other ways. Citizens are advised to take pictures of their 'I Voted' stickers or pose next to polling place signage. These alternatives allow voters to document their participation without risking the privacy of their individual selections.