The Illinois State Board of Elections receives complaints about election related activity. These complaints are evaluated and investigations are conducted where warranted pursuant to the authority granted by state law. (10 ILCS 5-1a-8)

Complaints and allegations are presented to the Board's Executive Director who then supervises the investigative process. Upon review, he may then appoint an investigator to investigate the nature of the allegation to determine if any election laws may have been violated.

All complaints must be submitted in writing. It is recommended that the complainant provide as much information as possible so that the allegations can be reviewed. Names, dates, addresses, and a list of possible witnesses are necessary to conduct a thorough investigation. So that the public is encouraged to report irregularities, the names of the complainants shall be kept confidential.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the investigator will prepare a report of his/her findings to the Executive Director. Such reports include the investigator's findings and recommendation. The Executive Director, may then make a recommendation for further action to the Board, an election authority, or appropriate law enforcement authority. When matters are determined to involve criminal conduct, they are referred to the appropriate State's Attorney or the Illinois Attorney General for possible prosecution. If upon review of the investigator's report, the Executive Director determines that no further action be taken, the matter will be closed. However all closed matters may be reopened if new information is brought to the attention of this office.

Complaints should be directed to:

Daniel W. White, Executive Director
Illinois State Board of Elections
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph Street, Suite 14-100
Chicago, Illinois 60601
(312)-814-6440