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Citizen Advocacy Center's DuPage County's Election
Commission Brochure (revised 7/04)
Printable
Version
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Organization of Illinois Election Authorities
Several states have uniform election systems,
whereas other states allow individual counties to oversee the administration
of all elections held within the state. In Illinois, Illinois State
Board of Elections supervises the administration of elections conducted
by 110 county and city election authorities.
The Illinois State Board of Elections
The Illinois State Board of Elections supervises
the registration of voters and the administration of elections throughout
the state. The Board consists of four Republicans and four Democrats
appointed by the Governor to serve staggered, four-year terms. A full-time
professional staff with offices located in both Springfield and Chicago
handle the day-to-day activities. The State Board of Elections supervises
the administration of the Illinois Campaign Financing Act and closely
monitors campaign expenditures appearing on reports submitted by candidates
and committees as required by law. All candidates for office in Illinois
are required to file financial disclosure forms with the Illinois State
Board of Elections. Local and county candidates must also file with
their local county clerk. The Board conducts hearings if violations
occur and is authorized to levy fines and turn over evidence of wrongdoing
to local prosecutors.
The Illinois State Board of Elections provides
a variety of information for voters and candidates, including how to
register to vote, election totals, searchable referenda database, and
searchable candidate database detailing campaign contributions. The
Illinois State Board of Elections serves as a resource for county and
city election authorities and provides a variety of assistance program
and training opportunities. The Illinois State Board of Elections website
is www.elections.state.il.us.
County and City Election Authorities
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- The state's 110 election authorities administer local elections. County
clerks in 101 counties administer elections, as well as the eight municipal
election authorities, and one county election commission. The DuPage
County Election Commission is the only county-wide election authority
in the state. Each election authority handles local voter registration
programs, trains election judges, finds polling places, gets ballots
printed, oversees election day activities, and supervises the vote count
at the local level. Additional information, including address and phone
number, for each county and municipal election authority can be obtained
by visiting the Illinois State Board of Elections website or contacting
local government offices.
DuPage County Election Commission
The DuPage County Election Commission serves both the voters and the
political parties of DuPage County, and is responsible for administering
all elections in DuPage County, including Local, County, State and Federal
Elections. The DuPage County Election Commission website is www.dupageelections.com.
Creation of the DuPage County Election Commission
Illinois law creates the Election Commission for cities, villages,
incorporated towns (10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 5/6-21 (West 1993)) and
for counties (10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 5/6A-1 (West 1993)). Although
the law creates the Election Commission, it does not make the creation
of an Election Commission mandatory for cities, villages, incorporated
towns or counties. The DuPage County Election Commission was created
on January 29, 1974. The Election Commission Board consists of three
members that have no statutory term limit. Two of the board members
must be selected from the two leading political parties in the state
and the third member can be from any political party. 10 Ill. Comp.
Stat. Ann. 5/6-22 (West 1993 & Supp. 1998).
Duties of the DuPage County Election Commission
The Election Commission is responsible for administering all elections
within DuPage County. Leading up to the election, the Election Commission
produces voting ballots based on petitions, organizes polling locations,
trains and provides election judges, coordinates security, and places
legal notice of the election in the paper. When there are no elections
to administer, the Election Commission maintains 730 precincts, calculates
area populations, and redistricts precincts during odd-numbered years.
One of the most important duties of the Election Commission is to serve
as the "keeper" of voter registration records. Currently approximately
491,000 registered voters are on file. Throughout the year, the DuPage
County Election Commission trains and supplies several thousand voter-registrars.
Strict rules, regulations, and laws govern documentation that must be
recorded in the voter file. The Election Commission is obligated to
protect this information from solicitors, however, it may release voter
rolls to people affiliated with bona fide political organizations.
DuPage County Election Commission
Board of Directors Chairman: Dean Westrom (R) - served since 1997
Vice Chairman: Jeanne McNamara (D) - served since 1976
Secretary: Charlotte Muchow (R) - served since 1999
Executive Director: Robert Saar
Assistant Director: Doreen Nelson
The Board of Directors regulates the Election Commission with the assistance
of the Executive Director and a staff of 20. Bi-monthly the Board meets
to conduct general business, discuss and approve expenses, set policy,
and discuss any litigation. Board meetings are open to the public and
take place on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.
DuPage County Election Commission Web Site
The Election Commission web site has a comprehensive collection of
information available for voters, candidates, and the general public.
The site contains voting information, including how to register, where
to register, and information on elected officials. Citizens can enter
an address and learn the name of every elected representative at each
level of government for that location. The website also gives voters
the opportunity to view the ballot before the election and provides
a tutorial on the new voting system. Candidates can obtain information
regarding filing deadlines. Additionally, the web site contains past
election results and provides frequent updates during elections. The
web site is located at www.dupageelections.com.
Elections Administered by DuPage County Election Commission
Election results must be certified within seven days of the election
and submit those results to the Illinois State Board of Elections.
During even numbered years:
General Primary: 3rd Tuesday in March
§ Nominate Federal, State, Legislative, Judicial, County and Sanitary
Officials
General Election: 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in November
§ Elect Federal, State, Legislative, Judicial, County and Sanitary
Officials
During odd numbered years:
Consolidated Primary: Last Tuesday in February
§ Nominate Municipal and Township Officials
Consolidated Election: 1st Tuesday in April
§ Elect Township, Municipal, Park District, Library District, School
District, Community College District, and Fire District Officials
DuPage County Election Commission Questions or Complaints
Questions or concerns regarding the administration of elections in
DuPage County can be referred to the DuPage County Election Commission
at (630) 407-5600 or the Illinois State Board of Elections. The Illinois
State Board of Elections provides a toll-free number that allows voters
to register complaints or access information regarding provisional voting,
administrative complaint procedures, military and overseas voters, and
other relevant election issues. The hotline is (866) 513-1121.
Funding the DuPage County Voting System
DuPage County received $4.4 million in Federal and State funds to purchase
the new Accu-Vote voting system. The system was purchased in 2001 for
$4.4 million, with $2.2 million from County funds and a $2.2 million
matching grant from the State. After Illinois received fund appropriated
by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA), the State distributed $3,192.22
per precinct to each eligible election authority, based on the number
of precincts in the jurisdiction at the time of the November 2000 election.
In February 2004, DuPage County received $2,288,821.74 in HAVA funds.
The County was then reimbursed the original $2.2 million that it had
contributed to purchasing the AccuVote system. Ultimately, the entire
cost of the new system was paid for by State and Federal grants.
DuPage County Election Commission Contact Information
421 N. County Farm Rd. 1st Floor Wheaton, IL (630) 682-7440 www.dupageelections.com
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 430 p.m. Extended hours 8 weeks prior
to any election, including Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 12noon
Help America Vote Act of 2002
The Help America Vote Act of 2002 aims to improve the administration
of federal elections in the United States. HAVA impacts almost every
election because federal and state elections typically occur simultaneously.
The legislation provided $3.9 billion in federal funds to be distributed
to states to replace outdated voting machines, improve voter education,
train election judges, and improve access for persons with disabilities.
HAVA created suggested and mandatory minimum standards states must follow
in several areas of election administration. Election authorities must
provide voters with information such as sample ballots, voting instructions,
statement of voter rights, and procedures for registering complaints.
Voters also must have the ability to cast a provisional ballot if their
name does not appear on the voter rolls. Once registration is verified,
the vote will count. Additionally, HAVA requires voting systems provide
for "second chance voting" - the opportunity for voters to verify their
selection and correct any errors before casting the ballot. HAVA also
provided federal funding to replace outdated voting equipment, such
as punch cards and lever machines.
Election authorities across the country have received federal and state
funds to purchase new equipment, such as optical scan voting systems
and electronic voting equipment. The DuPage County Election Commission
received $4.4 million in federal and state HAVA funds to purchase the
new optical scan voting system.
Provisional Voting in DuPage County
A voter has the right to cast a provisional ballot if the voter's name
does not appear on the official list of eligible voters, or if a voter's
voting status has been challenged. A provisional ballot is similar to
a regular ballot, but the ballot is counted only if the voter's registration
is verified after the election. Illinois requires that a voter cast
the provisional ballot in the correct precinct. After casting a provisional
ballot, the election authority has two weeks to verify voter information
and count the votes. In DuPage County, voters receiving a provisional
ballot can visit the DuPage Election Commission website to ascertain
whether their ballot was counted or not counted, including the reason
the votes do not count.
DuPage County Optical Scan Voting Machines (AccuVote)
DuPage County uses the AccuVote Optical Scan Voting System. Voters
mark their choices on the ballot using a marker, typically a #2 pencil.
After completing the ballot, the voter feeds the ballot into an AccuVote
Tabulator, which scans and tallies the votes cast. The machine notifies
the voter if there is a problem with the ballot, such as an over vote
(choosing more than one candidate in a contest) or an under vote (failing
to make a selection in a contest). The voter then has the option of
correcting the ballot or overriding the vote, in which case the vote
will not count. A voter choosing to correct the ballot must request
a new ballot from an election judge. The ballots are preserved in a
ballot box located underneath the AccuVote Tabulator. Ballots are used
if a recount is necessary, and serve as paper record of all votes cast.
After the polls close, votes are tallied at each precinct and transmitted
to the Election Commission. Results are either transmitted via modem
or the Tabulator's memory card is read by a central computer when the
equipment is returned.
Optical scan voting machines are considered safe and do not pose many
security concerns. Most run on batteries or have an electrical cord
and a battery backup. The paper ballot serves as a safeguard in case
of computer malfunction. However, precinct count optical scan voting
machines that transmit election results to a central counting location
via modem have been subject to criticism because of the increased risk
of tampering. Approximately 50% of precincts report final results to
the DuPage County Election Commission via modem.
Qualifications and Registering to Vote
In order to register to vote, a person must be a U.S. citizen, at least
18 years of age by Election Day, and must be a resident of Illinois
for at least 30 days. Voters registered in Illinois cannot claim the
right to vote in any other state. Additionally, persons convicted and
in jail or prison cannot register or vote during the duration of their
sentence. Illinois citizens must register to vote in person or by mail
and must register at least 28 days prior to an election in order to
vote in that election. DuPage County residents can register in person
at the DuPage Election Commission, city and village offices, and military
recruitment offices. Registration is also available at some public libraries,
schools, labor groups, civic groups, and some corporations. Illinois
participates in the Motor Voter Program and allows citizens to register
to vote when applying for a driver's license or state identification
card at Secretary of State facilities. When registering in person or
with a deputy registrar, the citizen must provide two forms of identification,
and one form must have a current address.
Qualifications and Registering to Vote In order to register to vote,
a person must be a US citizen, at least 18 years of age by Election
Day, and must be a resident of Illinois for at least 30 days. Voters
registered in Illinois cannot claim the right to vote in any other state.
Additionally, persons convicted and in jail or prison cannot register
or vote during the duration of their sentence. Illinois citizens must
register to vote in person or by mail and must register at least 28
days prior to an election in order to vote in that election. DuPage
County residents can register in person at the DuPage Election Commission,
city and village offices, and military recruitment offices. Registration
is also available at some public libraries, schools, labor groups, civic
groups, and some corporations. Illinois participates in the Motor Voter
Program and allows citizens to register to vote when applying for a
driver's license or state identification card at Secretary of State
facilities. When registering in person or with a deputy registrar, the
citizen must provide two forms of identification, and one form must
have a current address.
Illinois residents can also register by mail. The Illinois State Board
of Elections provides a mail-in application for statewide use. The form
is available online, at any government office, or can be obtained by
calling any election authority. Citizens registering by mail must send
a copy of a current, valid photo identification or a copy of a current
utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government
document that shows name and address. Registration applications without
this information will be processed, however, the voter will be required
to show photo identification when voting for the first time. A citizen
will receive a voter identification card 2-3 weeks after the election
authority receives the form.
Where to Vote
Illinois law requires that all voters cast ballots in their assigned
precinct. Prior to elections, the DuPage County Board of Elections mails
postcards to all registered voters with the location of the precinct
where they must vote. Precinct locations are also available on the website,
and voters can contact the Election Commission for further information.
Obtaining and Absentee Ballot
Voters unable to vote in person must complete an absentee ballot application.
Applications are available at any voter registration location and on
the DuPage County Election Board website. An absentee ballot can be
requested not more than 40 or less than 5 days prior to an election.
Ballots are mailed upon receipt of the completed application once the
ballot is finalized. Voted ballots must be returned to the Election
Commission office no later than 12:00 Noon on Election Day. A first-time
voter who registered by mail cannot vote by absentee ballot.
Members of the military and US citizens temporarily residing outside
the US may submit an application to receive absentee ballots for all
elections in that calendar year. The application, called a federal post
card application, is available on the DuPage County Election Commission
website. The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) provides information
to US citizens covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee
Voting Act (UOCAVA). The FVAP website is located at www.fvap.gov.
Changing Residence
Illinois law requires voters vote in their precinct. Registered voters
moving prior to an election must transfer their registration. If a registered
voter moves to a different address in the same precinct within 27 days
of the election, the voter can vote a full ballot after signing an affidavit.
If a registered voter moves within the county more than 30 days before
an election and does not transfer registration, the voter can vote for
federal offices only once the voter completes an address correction
form at their former polling place. A registered voter cannot vote if
they move out of their current county more than 30 days before the election
and do not transfer registration.
Election Judges and Election Workers in DuPage County
Election authorities need competent and well-trained citizens to serve
as election judges and workers. Election judges and workers are critically
important to the success or failure of any election. They serve on the
frontline of the voting process and have a variety of responsibilities
and duties on Election Day. Election judges are officers of the Circuit
Court and are responsible for the proper and lawful conduct of elections.
Election judges protect the integrity of the voting process. Their many
duties include verifying persons registered to vote, distributing ballots,
assisting voters with disabilities or non-English speaking voters, and
answering voter questions. Election workers assist in a variety of ways,
including serving as check-in clerks on Election night, field representatives
communicating between the Election Commission and the polling places,
absentee ballot drivers, and general polling place assistants. Serving
as an election judge or worker helps ensure that our electoral system
functions properly, and it provides citizens with the opportunity to
view democracy in action. However, it is also an exhausting experience
- you must be at your designated location by 5:30 a.m. and typically
work until 9:00 p.m. In return for service, election judges receive
a maximum stipend of $90. Election judges receive a check from the County,
however, the Illinois State Board of Elections actually pays for election
judges.
DuPage County needs more than 3,500 election judges on Election Day
to serve the 730 precincts within the county. Residents of DuPage County
interested in serving as an election judge or election worker should
contact the DuPage County Election Commission at 630/407-5600. If you
are not a DuPage County resident, contact your county clerk.
Qualifications to Serve as an Election Judge or Worker
The requirements for serving as an election judge are set forth in
the Illinois Election Code. A citizen interested in serving as an election
judge must: be a United States citizen registered to vote in DuPage
County; be of good repute and character; be able to speak, read and
write the English language; be skilled in arithmetic (addition, subtraction,
division and multiplication); be of good understanding and capable;
not be a candidate for any office at the election; and not be an elected
committeemen. Citizens meeting the minimum qualifications can be appointed
an election judge for a two-year period once they complete required
training courses and passes a written examination. There are no specific
requirements to serve as an election worker. High school students may
serve as student workers on Election Night. No formal screening process
or resume requirement precludes service as an election judge or election
worker. The names of election judges are available to the public and
citizens can contest the appointment of an election judge, however,
this rarely occurs.
Election Judge Training
Illinois law requires that election judges complete a minimum of four
hours of training and pass a written examination. Prior to every election,
the DuPage County Election Commission provides the required training
courses and a variety of "refresher" courses for returning election
judges. Judges can receive additional compensation for each election
once they complete training courses. All election judges in DuPage County
have equal authority and each receive training on the basic administration
of elections, election law, how to use the Accu-Vote optical scan voting
system, and provisional voting. Some counties in Illinois provide specialized
training and designate technical judges. Designating technical judges
can reduce election judge error, increase productivity, provide specialized
assistance to disabled or visually impaired voters, and address citizen
questions and concerns. Across the country, counties using electronic
voting have implemented technical judge training programs.
Voting Accessibility for Elderly, Disabled, and Visually Impaired
Federal and State laws require election authorities to provide elderly,
disabled and visually impaired voters with full access to registration
and voting. Federal laws, such as the American with Disabilities Act
and the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act, benefit
the elderly, persons with disabilities or visual impairments by requiring
improved access to registration facilities and polling places for federal
elections. The Help America Vote Act of 2002 improves access to voting,
however, many of the relevant provisions have not been fully implemented.
Election authorities must provide access to polling places and the
ballot for all registered voters. Federal and State laws require authorities
provide certain aids, such as voting instructions printed in large type,
a magnifying lens to place over booklets, large type sample ballots,
and information by telecommunications devices for the deaf. Election
authorities must ensure that polling places are accessible to all voters.
An accessible polling place is one which allows entrance to polling
place facilities by voters with handicaps, and which meets specific
criteria for walkways, parking, doorways, path of travel, ramps, and
elevators. If a polling place is inaccessible, a voter can request,
in advance, to be assigned to an accessible polling place or be provided
with an alternative means for casting a ballot on the day of the election.
Voters may have help in marking ballots if needed due to any physical
impairment, blindness, or inability to read, write, or speak proficient
English. Visually impaired voters have the option of voting at the polls
or by absentee ballot. Two election judges, each of a different party,
can assist voters with disabilities if necessary. Voters have a right
to choose any person except an employer or union representative to assist
them in completing a ballot. The voter is required to state under oath
the nature of the impairment that causes them to seek help.
The DuPage County Election Commission has several programs to assist
elderly and disabled voters unable to go to their designated polling
places. Elderly and disabled voters can request an absentee ballot from
the Election Commission. Persons unable to personally complete the absentee
application and/or the ballot may have someone assist. Persons assisting
are required to complete an affidavit. The Election Commission has established
programs with local nursing homes. On the Saturday prior to an election,
Election Judges visit local nursing homes and oversee the voting process.
Additionally, persons hospitalized not more than five days prior to
the election who are unable to vote in person are entitled to have a
ballot brought to the hospital. The voter hospitalized must request
a hospital ballot from the Election Commission, accompanied by a certificate
completed by the attending physician. The request and the ballot itself
may be delivered by any relative, or by any other person registered
to vote in the hospitalized person's home precinct.
About The Citizen Advocacy Center
The Citizen Advocacy Center is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit
organization, is dedicated to building democracy for the 21st Century
by strengthening the public's capacities, resources, and institutions
for self-government. If you are interested in more information, becoming
a volunteer, or making a tax-deductible contribution to the Center,
please feel free to contact us at: The Citizen Advocacy Center, 238
N. York Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126-0420 Phone: (630) 833-4080 Fax: (630)
833-4083 E-mail: cac@citizenadvocacycenter.org Website: www.citizenadvocacycenter.org
© Copyright 2004 Citizen Advocacy Center. All rights reserved. No part
of this pamphlet may be reproduced in any form or by any means without
the prior written consent of the Citizen Advocacy Center.
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