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 Peoria, Tazewell, McLean and Bloomington.
