Attorney General Kwame Raoul encouraged Illinois voters on March 16 to be aware of their rights as early voting continues for the March 17 general primary election. The Attorney General’s office has a longstanding practice of monitoring elections in Illinois to ensure voter protections and polling place accessibility.
Raoul said it is important for voters to understand their options and legal rights, especially with changes affecting mail-in ballots. “The right to vote is one of the most fundamental rights we have as Americans, and it is important that voters be aware of their options and rights under the law,” Raoul said. “While it has been my office’s longstanding practice to ensure that voters’ rights are protected on Election Day, we are also making sure that voters know how to exercise their right to vote by mail and during the period of early voting. I encourage all voters to use reliable sources to educate themselves on options for voting before making a plan to vote.”
Early voting began in February and will continue through March 16. State law allows any registered voter to cast a ballot before Election Day without providing a reason. Voters can check current regulations through local election authorities or the Illinois State Board of Elections website. Mail-in ballots can be requested up until five days before the election, with returned ballots required to be postmarked by midnight on Election Day. Due to recent U.S. Postal Service changes, ballots dropped off at postal retail locations close to or on Election Day may not receive a timely postmark, potentially disqualifying them; requesting a manual postmark at the counter is advised.
Illinois law prohibits influencing voters within 100 feet of polling places and makes it illegal to prevent someone from voting or registering through intimidation or deception. The Attorney General’s office released a Voter Misinformation Guide in 2024 addressing artificial intelligence-generated misinformation about elections and candidates, along with guidance for voters with disabilities.
Raoul’s office also provided tips for preparing for Election Day, including consulting trusted sources like the Illinois State Board of Elections and League of Women Voters for accurate information, using official channels for voter registration, learning about avoiding scams from organizations such as AARP, and reporting any suspicious activity or violations witnessed at polling places.
The Attorney General advocated for vulnerable groups including workers, immigrants, and seniors according to the official website. The office handled thousands of consumer complaints each year according to the official website and aimed to protect consumers while promoting safer communities and advocating for environmental and rights issues according to the official website. Its advocacy efforts extended across Illinois according to the official website, included partnerships with law enforcement supporting crime victims and open government according to the official website, as well as offering services such as complaint filing related to consumer fraud and civil rights according to the official website.
Looking ahead, Raoul’s office encourages all eligible residents not only to participate in upcoming elections but also remain vigilant against misinformation while exercising their right safely.
