Illinois early voting begins with increased taxpayer costs

Early voting has commenced in Illinois, initiating a 40-day period that local officials note incurs additional costs for taxpayers. County clerks have highlighted the financial and logistical demands of the extended voting window.

In Rock Island County, Clerk Karen Kinney stated that the process requires hiring additional election judges and staff, as well as deploying crews to set up equipment at various locations, including the Silvis City Council chambers and the Moline Public Library. Kinney also noted that staff members are working extended hours and weekends to manage the workload.

In Brown County, Clerk & Recorder Jenny Welty explained that elections are managed through a dedicated line item in the county budget. To mitigate some expenses, the office utilizes “express votes”—barcoded blank ballots—which reduce the need for pre-printing large quantities of paper ballots and minimize waste.