Central Illinois election officials discuss voting integrity

Early voting and vote-by-mail begins September 26. (WJBC file photo)

By WMBD-TV

CENTRAL ILLINOIS – Local election officials gathered Thursday afternoon to answer any questions regarding voting integrity, to make sure ballots are safe this November.

County clerks and election commissions from Tazewell, Peoria, and McLean County discussed security, safety and procedures for the upcoming election. 

With early voting and mail-in voting, officials don’t want citizens to feel worried and not vote.

The election authorities at the meeting explained processes and protocols for certain situations and explained what they do if anyone has concerns.

Peoria County Election Commission said people should not be afraid to ask them if they have questions.

“There’s a lot of misinformation out there.  Please come to us. your election authority for the most accurate and up-to-date information,” said Executive Director of the Peoria County Election Commission, Elizabeth Gannon.  “If you’re questioning something, call our office. If you are unsure about what you read on Facebook is accurate, go to our website. Look at our frequently asked questions page.  But the information is there.”

At the meeting, it was discussed that many people said the voting machines can be hacked. All election authorities at Thursday’s meeting said the best way to prove their security is to show voters first-hand the machines and how they work. 

Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman said all election offices do everything they can to provide voters with a smooth voting experience.

“I think you’ll find that your local election authorities are doing everything and anything to make sure that our elections are safe and secure and accessible to all voters,” Ackerman said. 

Gannon said it’s important to ask any questions you may have, but more importantly, to get out and vote.

“Your vote matters and your vote counts. And that’s the that’s really the foundation of our democracy, is your right to vote and be a part of that. And that really all starts at the ballot box.”

Early voting and vote-by-mail begins September 26.

More information is available on the election commission websites for PeoriaTazewellMcLean and Bloomington.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…