FAQs • Rock Island County, IL • CivicEngage

What could happen if a voter signs one party's petitions for the primary election but requests another party's ballot at that primary election?: Illinois Statutes (10 ILCS 5/7-43) provide that no person shall be allowed to vote a party ballot in the primary election if the person signed the nominating petition of any candidate of another party or an independent candidate for any office for which such candidate is to be voted for at that primary election. If a voter requests the ballot of another party in the primary election, that voter’s right to vote that party’s ballot could be challenged in the polling place.

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County Clerk - Elections - Miscellaneous

1. What options do voters with disabilities have?: The County Clerk's Office is committed to enhancing access to the polls to make it easier for disabled voters to cast ballots independently. Several assistance programs and services are available, including absentee voting, wheelchair-accessible voting equipment and voting aids. For more information, call 309-786-VOTE, 309-786-8683 or 309-558-3571.

2. Can a registered voter sign petitions for candidates of more than one political party for the same primary election?: No.

3. May a voter who voted Republican in the last primary election now sign a petition for a Democratic candidate?: Yes. However, no one may sign petitions for candidates of more than one political party for the same primary election.

4. What could happen if a voter signs one party's petitions for the primary election but requests another party's ballot at that primary election?: Illinois Statutes (10 ILCS 5/7-43) provide that no person shall be allowed to vote a party ballot in the primary election if the person signed the nominating petition of any candidate of another party or an independent candidate for any office for which such candidate is to be voted for at that primary election. If a voter requests the ballot of another party in the primary election, that voter’s right to vote that party’s ballot could be challenged in the polling place.

5. Do I have to declare a political party preference?: In Illinois, you do not declare a party when you register to vote. In primary elections, you must declare a specific political party ballot on election day.

6. Is a lottery conducted for party placement on the ballot?: For the general election, a lottery is conducted by each election authority for all established parties to determine the proper order of party placement on the ballot. This lottery is held within 30 days following the proclamation of the results of the primary election. New parties are involved in a lottery when there is a simultaneous filing with the State Board of Elections or the county Clerk. The State Board of Elections conducts the lottery for new parties which file in the Springfield office and the election authorities must use such order. No party lottery is done for the primary election since each party has its own ballot, separate from any other established party.

7. How can I help with elections?: Registered voters who are residents of Rock Island County are encouraged to serve as Election Judges. Each judge can receive up to $140 for attending a training session and working at the vote center on election day. Learn more about becoming an election judge, or you may contact the County Clerk's Office at 309-786-VOTE, 309-786-8683 or 309-558-3571.

8. May I use a cell phone in the polling place?: Cellular phones should not be brought in and used by a voter in the vote center. A voter using a cellular phone in the vote center may be considered electioneering.

9. What's on my ballot?: Approximately two weeks before the election, a specimen ballot is printed in the newspaper and will be available online. You can also call the County Clerk's Office at 309-786-VOTE, 309-786-8683 or 309-558-3571 for further information (or to have a specimen ballot sent to you).