Offering Freebies To Voters Could Be Illegal, Lake County Officials Warn

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Lake County election and law enforcement officials are warning businesses and organizations that offering incentives to encourage voting or voter registration could violate state and federal laws.

The Lake County Clerk's Office and Lake County State's Attorney's Office are urging businesses, community organizations and other groups planning voter participation initiatives to consult with legal counsel before offering goods, services or other rewards connected to an election.

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"While we strongly encourage every eligible resident to participate in the democratic process, we also want to ensure that efforts to promote voter participation remain fully compliant with state and federal election laws," Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega said in a statement. "We appreciate the enthusiasm behind these initiatives, but we ask that organizations seek legal guidance to avoid inadvertently running afoul of the law."

Under Illinois law, knowingly offering or promising something of value to influence someone to vote, register to vote or support or oppose a candidate or ballot question is a Class 4 felony. Federal law also prohibits payments or offers of payment intended to influence voting in elections involving federal candidates. Violations can result in fines or up to one year in prison, or up to two years for willful violations, officials said.

Authorities cautioned that promotions requiring customers or participants to provide proof that they voted or registered to vote in exchange for a benefit could run afoul of election laws.

"State and federal election laws establish important safeguards, and compliance with those laws is essential to maintaining the integrity in our elections," Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart said in a statement. "We encourage any business or organization planning voter engagement efforts to understand those laws and make sure their efforts comply with the law."

Officials emphasized that encouraging voter participation is important but said such efforts must comply with legal requirements.

Formal complaints alleging violations of the Illinois Election Code will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency for review.