URBANA - As election season approaches,
understanding the voting process in Illinois is crucial for making informed choices. The state takes significant measures to ensure that
voting and ballot counting systems are secure, reliable, and transparent.
Election officials in Illinois regularly conduct tests on voting and ballot counting machines, performing “logic and accuracy” tests to confirm that votes for every candidate and issue on the ballot are counted correctly. These tests are standard practice across almost all states, aimed at preserving the integrity of the electoral process.
In Illinois, all voting systems must be certified by the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) or tested by an EAC-accredited Voting System Test Laboratory before use. The state's ballot handling procedures are designed to protect against both intentional and unintentional ballot destruction, ensuring the integrity of both mail-in and in-person voting.
Prior to and following elections, Illinois conducts thorough testing of voting equipment and ballot counting processes, which are open for public observation. Post-election audits, including risk-limiting audits, are also performed to verify that vote counts are accurate, reinforcing public trust in the results.
"Election officials implement ballot processing and tabulation safeguards designed to ensure each ballot cast in the election can be correctly counted," explained Becky Simon, President of the
League of Women Voters of Illinois. "These safeguards include chain of custody procedures, auditable logging requirements, and canvass processes. Illinois safeguards mail ballots by verifying signatures, tracking barcodes, and setting clear chains of custody for all ballots."
Amidst these safeguards, voters should remain vigilant against false claims regarding election results. Disinformation can spread quickly, often fueled by individuals seeking to undermine confidence in the democratic process. If you encounter misleading information online, you can report it at
reportdisinfo.org. It is essential to respect all votes cast, regardless of the outcome.
Every election, organizations like the League of Women Voters play a pivotal role in equipping voters with essential information. By sponsoring candidate forums and providing resources like
IllinoisVoterGuide.org, they help ensure that voters are prepared to make their voices heard.
In the lead-up to elections, it’s common for voters to receive calls and texts from political groups, urging them to support specific candidates or measures. However, it is important to be aware of potential scams that exploit these tactics. Here are some red flags to watch for:
- Be cautious if a caller or texter requests personal information, such as your Social Security number. They may falsely claim you can vote early by phone or fix nonexistent errors in your voter registration.
- Avoid sharing credit card or financial information over the phone, especially if the caller offers seemingly free gifts in exchange for participation in surveys.
- If asked to donate over the phone, verify the legitimacy of the request by asking for a website where you can find more information.
Being informed and vigilant is key to participating in a secure electoral process. As voters in Illinois prepare for the upcoming elections, knowing how to navigate the system and protect oneself against misinformation and scams is more important than ever.
Keywords: Voting in Illinois, Election integrity, Ballot counting process, Voter information, Election disinformation, Protect against election scams
