Vote!

Early voting comprises more than half of votes cast. It’s convenient, and it’s become more popular with every election cycle. But maybe you still haven’t voted. Please do!! Some of our voters are hesitant because they are anxious about facts. We’ve heard a lot of false claims about elections. Bad actors spread disinformation for political gain, and it’s messy to weed through conflicting news reports, especially on social media, so we hope you’re doing some fact-checking.

There was extensive litigation over vote certifications in the last presidential election. Perhaps that is the new normal, and we should expect it to happen. Election night reporting is unofficial, and those results can change as the ballot counting is completed. Votes from overseas, from military, and from mail-in or absentee voters are not counted until after the polls close on Election Day. That’s ok; an accurate ballot count is more important than a fast ballot count, and delayed or changing vote counts need not be characterized as vote fraud.

Did you know that active military personnel have voted by mail since the Civil War? Mail-in votes in Illinois can be accepted up to 14 days after the election if they are properly postmarked. Local election results can then be certified. After that the governor certifies the state’s totals. Election officials have a legal duty to certify the vote count. In the case of the presidential race, the US Vice President then tallies the results on January 6th. This action is ministerial, or ceremonial, as clarified in a 2022 law.

You may have read about troubles at polling places, some of it incendiary and untrue. Notwithstanding that, please remember that you are always the best guardian of democracy. For instance, if someone is accosting voters on the way into your polling place that could be voter intimidation. If anything makes you uncomfortable when voting please act on your feelings, and report it to the site supervisor. You can also share your experience with the County Clerk’s office, and with the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE. They care!

All states have some form of pre- and post-election testing of voting equipment, as well as ballot counting processes open for public observation, and more states have implemented post-election audits since the 2020 election. We all deserve to have our voices heard. Elections are how we shape the world we want. The people you elect affect your taxes, your schools, your jobs, your health, your quality of life. It is essential that every vote is counted so that every voice is heard. So vote!

Carol Russ, President
League of Women Voters
Lake Forest Lake Bluff Area