The state’s attorney’s office has issued a warning to businesses and organizations in Lake County after receiving reports that they are offering incentives to people who voted.
The Lake County Clerk’s Office said Thursday they have received reports of businesses and organizations in the Waukegan and Round Lake areas offering incentives when people bring in their “I Voted” sticker.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office said efforts to promote civic engagement and voter participation are important but that it needs to be within the scope of the law.
“[…] 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,” the state’s attorney’s office said in a statement.
Illinois law says 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.
The state’s attorney’s office said initiatives that condition benefits on proof of voting may violate the law.
“Let’s work together to support voter participation in ways that uphold election integrity and legal standards,” the state’s attorney’s office said.
Officials say formal complaints about alleged violations of the Illinois Election Code will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
The warning comes days before the consolidated election on April 1 for the election of township, municipal, park district, library district, school district and fire district officials.