Clerk Orr issues warning about election improprieties

Suburban voters urged to vote Tuesday

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Cook County Clerk David Orr issued a warning today to any candidate, precinct captain, polling place worker or voter who attempts to threaten the integrity of the election with improper electioneering, voter fraud and other Election Day shenanigans.

"My office is committed to identifying irregularities and seeking criminal charges when warranted," Orr said. "There are many heated races this election, but transgressions will not be tolerated."

Orr recently turned over evidence to the State's Attorney's office regarding suspected voter registration fraud in south suburban East Hazel Crest. The names of those suspected will be released only if the State's Attorney's office files charges.

In recent weeks, Orr's office has also fielded calls concerning abnormal absentee ballot requests, electioneering during Early Voting and allegations of voters falsifying registration materials.

"Our checks and balances catch the cheaters and I believe the penalties for committing voter fraud act as a strong deterrent," Orr said. "A voter who abuses the electoral process denies every other citizen his or her right to a fair election."

With 2,850 candidates vying for 1,062 offices, Tuesday's election is packed with interesting local contests across suburban Cook County, Orr said.

"The April 7 Consolidated Election is incredibly complex," Orr said. "We have more than 800 ballot styles and the largest number of candidates in the four-year election cycle."

Orr urged all suburban voters to become active players in their communities by making their voices heard. Offices up for election, which vary by suburb, include: village president/mayor; trustee/alderman; and park, library, school and fire boards. There are also 49 referendums on the ballots.

Voters who live in the 5th Congressional District will also chose a U.S. Representative to replace White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. The 5th Congressional District is comprised of 92 precincts in suburban Cook County - in Leyden and Proviso townships - and 486 precincts in the City of Chicago. Chicago residents should visit chicagoelections.com for more information.

Media credentials
News reporters, photographers and TV crews need media credentials when entering a polling place on Tuesday. Credentials are available at the Clerk's office. Credentials can also be emailed in PDF format by request. Please make requests to cgreve@cookcountygov.com.

Verify your registration and know your polling place
Voters can use the Voter's Toolkit to verify if they are registered to vote, view their polling place location and a virtual ballot of candidates running in their precinct.

Provisional voting rights
Under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), every voter has the right to cast a provisional ballot if their registration is not found or their eligibility to vote is questioned at the polls. Provisional ballots are segregated on Election Day and only counted later if the Clerk's office determines each voter is registered to vote.

If you are a member of the media, please contact:

Courtney Greve

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