Attorney General Kwame Raoul urged Illinois voters on Mar. 10 to be aware of their voting rights as early voting continues for the March 17 general primary election. Raoul encouraged residents to make a plan to vote in person or use a drop box, emphasizing the importance of ensuring every vote is counted.
The reminder comes as concerns grow about voter suppression and misinformation, especially with recent changes affecting mail-in ballot postmarks. Raoul said, “On Friday, I attended the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.’s memorial and was fortunate to honor his life spent fighting oppression and to increase voter participation. Friday was also the 15th anniversary of the Illinois Voting Rights Act, a law I am proud to have sponsored as a member of the Illinois Senate. The fight Rev. Jackson and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. began for civil rights is by no means over. Civil rights are again under attack, which is why it was particularly meaningful for me to mark the anniversary of Bloody Sunday by joining members of the Jackson family and hundreds of civil rights leaders in Selma to walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge.” He continued, “As voters rights around the nation are threatened by efforts to suppress votes, we must honor the legacies of Rev. Jackson and Dr. King by recommitting ourselves to protecting the right to vote and fighting voter suppression… As Attorney General, I am urging voters to know their rights and to make a voting plan that ensures their vote will be counted.”
Early voting began in February and runs through March 16. Voters do not need a reason to cast an early ballot under state law, but should check with local election authorities or consult resources like the Illinois State Board of Elections website for up-to-date information on regulations.
Illinois residents can also vote by mail for any reason; however, due to a recent U.S. Postal Service change in postmarking procedures effective since December, ballots dropped off at postal retail locations on or near Election Day may not receive timely postmarks—potentially disqualifying them if received late. Raoul advised voters using mail-in ballots close to Election Day either request a manual postmark at postal counters or use official drop boxes instead.
State law prohibits anyone from attempting to influence voters within 100 feet of polling places or preventing someone from voting through intimidation or deception. The Attorney General’s office has released guides addressing misinformation generated by artificial intelligence and provided assistance for voters with disabilities.
Raoul’s office recommends consulting trusted sources such as the State Board of Elections or local authorities for questions about registration status or polling locations; registering through official channels like online applications or DMV facilities; reporting suspicious activity on Election Day; and contacting designated hotlines if voting rights are violated.
The Illinois Attorney General has advocated for vulnerable groups including workers, immigrants, and seniors according to its official website. The office handles thousands of consumer complaints each year according to its official website and aims to protect consumers while promoting safer communities as well as environmental and civil rights issues according to its official website. Its advocacy extends statewide according to its official website, partnering with law enforcement agencies in support of crime victims and open government initiatives according to its official website. Services offered include complaint filing related to consumer fraud and civil rights matters according to its official website.
Looking ahead, Raoul’s office will continue monitoring elections throughout Illinois while providing resources aimed at protecting voter access.
