Public Advisory: Lake County Clerk’s Office and Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office Encourage Compliance with Illinois Election Laws When Encouraging Voter Participation

The Lake County Clerk’s Office has received reports of businesses and organizations in the Waukegan and Round Lake areas offering incentives when people bring in their “I Voted” sticker. Efforts to promote civic engagement and voter participation are important, but we want to remind organizations, businesses, and individuals that they should seek legal counsel before offering goods, services, or incentives to ensure their initiative is operating within the scope of the law. 

Under 10 ILCS 5/29-1, it is a Class 4 felony to knowingly give or promise to give anything of value to influence a person to vote or register to vote, or to influence a person to vote for or against any candidate or public question.  

While encouraging turnout is important, initiatives that condition benefits on proof of voting may inadvertently violate this law. Let’s work together to support voter participation in ways that uphold election integrity and legal standards.  

Formal complaints about alleged violations of the Illinois Election Code will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency.