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For Immediate Release On October 1, 2026, the Clerk’s office was made aware of an error on a ballot. While investigating the issue, the Clerk’s Office discovered a larger issue related to data that was incorrectly entered by our vendor and not discovered during our internal check. We immediately contacted the vendor, highlighted the concern, and began the process of working together to pinpoint the issue. We take election-integrity and security very seriously and are committed to transparency in all processes and procedures. We have been and continue to be in constant communication with candidates, party leadership, and the State’s Attorney’s office to create another layer of transparency and accessibility as we work through this issue. There have been Democrat and Republican Election Judges, candidates, Party Chairs, a campaign manager, and poll watchers to witness some of the steps taken in preparation to resume early voting and vote by mail processing. The discovery yielded that of 118 precincts, 9 precincts were affected: City of Champaign 6, 29, 37, Hensley, Pesotum, Philo, Sidney, St. Joe 1, and Urbana 3 Within those 9 precincts, 19 ballot types were affected: 0406 013, 0406 032, 0429 022, 0429 035, 0437 029, 1201 003, 1201 046, 1201 047, 1201 048 ,1801 058, 1901 061, 1901 063, 2401 063, 2801 050, 2801 056, 2801 060, 801 064, 3003 011, and 3003 032. Although approximately 19,000 vote-by-mail ballots were mailed, we've identified that 13 of those ballots have been returned and cast. The Clerk’s Office will send replacement ballots and an explanation of the issue to the remaining 607 vote by mail voters who have either not returned their vote by mail ballot, or they have returned it, but it has not been processed and cast. We will intercept any affected ballots as they return to the Clerk’s Office to prevent any further impact. The voters who are affected will have seven digits on their return envelope that match those listed above. Affected Races:
The Clerk’s Office knows every vote matters and we sincerely apologize to every voter and candidate affected by this error. Voters and candidates deserve to know the impact of this error and what we plan to do to correct it. None of the Federal, Statewide, Congressional, Countywide, or Judicial races were affected by this error. The 51st Legislative District, all four of the State Representative races, Count Board Districts 3 and 9, and the Regional Offices of Education 9 and 11 were affected. Of all the affected races, the 101st, 103rd, and 104th races for State Representative are contested races. While the problem could have been more widespread, our investigation discovered a combined 28 voters who have already cast a ballot containing the errors. Of the several hundred people who have voted early in-person, 15 people have already cast a ballot containing the error. Early Voting in-person ballots are all correct and early voting resumed today at 8:30am. Vote by mail processing resumed at 10am this morning. We will also post updates on our website and social media page. Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the Clerk’s office at 217-384-3724 or by emailing [email protected] Angie Patton Chief Deputy Clerk Election Security in Illinois:
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Is Now the Time for You to Run for Public Office?
At the February 25 Keeping It Local Program, three panelists—Regina Crider, Rantoul Village Board Member; Vanna Pianfetti, Champaign City Council Member; and Diane Wolfe Marlin, former Urbana City Council Member and Mayor—shared their experiences holding elected positions in Champaign County. Here is some advice they shared:
What advice would you give to someone considering running for the first time?
What advice would you give to someone considering running for the first time?
- Attend current meetings and talk to current office holders. You don’t need to attend in person since many meetings are online.
- Ask about current projects, daily activities, and time commitments.
- Consider participating in an appointed position on a city or park district board or commission first. They are less intensive than elected positions and can provide a useful introduction to public service.
- Local government is where many decisions that impact people’s lives are made.
- We need a variety of voices and life experiences making decisions.
- If you have a complaint, be willing to help shape a solution by running for office.
- "You must do the things you think you cannot do." (Attributed to former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt)
February 13, 2026
Urbana, IL – Voters of Champaign County have the opportunity to hear from the two Democratic Primary candidates running for County Executive, Sanford Hess and Michelle Jett, on Monday, February 16 at 6 p.m. on WILL AM 580.
The Candidate Forum is made possible by the League of Women Voters of Champaign County (LWVCC) in partnership with Illinois Public Media (IPM). Co-sponsors are the NAACP Champaign County Branch and the News-Gazette.
The pre-recorded forum was moderated by Arjun Thakkar, IPM Newsroom Senior Editor, and conducted on Feb. 10 in the IPM studios. The video recording will be available on the IPM and LWVCC YouTube channels.
LWVCC forum lead, Cathy Emanuel, urges the public to tune it to this hour-long forum. “The Champaign County Executive candidate forum offers voters unique insights into each candidate’s knowledge, skills, values, views, and visions for the future,” states Emanuel. “Included are their unique perspectives on whether the role of County Executive should be an appointed or elected position. This has real implications for our community. Voters will find this forum very helpful before going to the ballot box.”
To learn more about the candidates, voters can also go to the nonpartisan LWVCC Candidate Guide (votechampaign.org).
The Primary Election is March 17. In-person early voting began February 5 at Bennett Administration Center, 102 E Main, Urbana. County-wide voting locations open on March 9. Vote by mail ballots need to be returned or postmarked no later than March 17. For more information go to the County Clerk’s website (champaigncountyclerkil.gov/.
The League of Women Voters is a national, nonpartisan, political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in their government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Voting membership in the League is open to people 16 years and older, of all gender identities. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.
The Candidate Forum is made possible by the League of Women Voters of Champaign County (LWVCC) in partnership with Illinois Public Media (IPM). Co-sponsors are the NAACP Champaign County Branch and the News-Gazette.
The pre-recorded forum was moderated by Arjun Thakkar, IPM Newsroom Senior Editor, and conducted on Feb. 10 in the IPM studios. The video recording will be available on the IPM and LWVCC YouTube channels.
LWVCC forum lead, Cathy Emanuel, urges the public to tune it to this hour-long forum. “The Champaign County Executive candidate forum offers voters unique insights into each candidate’s knowledge, skills, values, views, and visions for the future,” states Emanuel. “Included are their unique perspectives on whether the role of County Executive should be an appointed or elected position. This has real implications for our community. Voters will find this forum very helpful before going to the ballot box.”
To learn more about the candidates, voters can also go to the nonpartisan LWVCC Candidate Guide (votechampaign.org).
The Primary Election is March 17. In-person early voting began February 5 at Bennett Administration Center, 102 E Main, Urbana. County-wide voting locations open on March 9. Vote by mail ballots need to be returned or postmarked no later than March 17. For more information go to the County Clerk’s website (champaigncountyclerkil.gov/.
The League of Women Voters is a national, nonpartisan, political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in their government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Voting membership in the League is open to people 16 years and older, of all gender identities. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.
Contact: Cathy Emanuel
Email: CandidateForums.lwvcc@gmailcom
Mobile: 309-222-3170
Email: CandidateForums.lwvcc@gmailcom
Mobile: 309-222-3170
At the Jan. 25 Keeping it Local program, leaders of four immigration-refugee service and support organizations in our county shared their insights and experience about the issues facing immigrants and refugees and the services and programs available to support them. They also offered important ways community members can be involved:
1. Know that your voice matters. Stay informed. Take actions like these: Urge your members of Congress to rein in ICE and the Customs and Border Patrol to stop their violence now. Encourage your legislators to restore the Refugee Resettlement System.
2. Show your immigrant and refugee neighbors that they are not alone. Spend time with them in the community. Support a friend and help people take back their sovereignty.
3. There is power in coalition building, and potential allies are everywhere. Find yours in neighborhoods, workplaces, faith-based organizations, clubs, schools, or friends.
To learn more about the services our four presenters provide or to offer to help, see Immigration Resources in the Issues section of our website.
If you were unable to attend this informative session, the video of this panel discussion is available on our League’s YouTube site.
1. Know that your voice matters. Stay informed. Take actions like these: Urge your members of Congress to rein in ICE and the Customs and Border Patrol to stop their violence now. Encourage your legislators to restore the Refugee Resettlement System.
2. Show your immigrant and refugee neighbors that they are not alone. Spend time with them in the community. Support a friend and help people take back their sovereignty.
3. There is power in coalition building, and potential allies are everywhere. Find yours in neighborhoods, workplaces, faith-based organizations, clubs, schools, or friends.
To learn more about the services our four presenters provide or to offer to help, see Immigration Resources in the Issues section of our website.
If you were unable to attend this informative session, the video of this panel discussion is available on our League’s YouTube site.
Our Turn: Karen Kane and Ann Prisland
This article was published in the News-Gazette on February 3, 2026
The League of Women Voters of Champaign County (LWVCC) urges everyone who is eligible to use their right to vote in this year’s Primary election. Every vote matters. All eligible voters can vote in this election. Voters must choose either a Democratic or Republican ballot but do not have to be members of either party.
Why Vote in the Primary?
The Primary election season is here, with early voting for registered voters starting at the Bennett Administrative Center in Urbana on Thursday, February 5. This year, there are several contested Primary races, including among Democratic party candidates for Champaign County Executive and Republican party candidates for Illinois Governor. US Congressional Districts IL-13 and IL-15 have contested races in both Republican and Democratic parties. The outcome of the Primary election determines who is on your ballot in the November 3 Midterm election at all levels - local, state, and federal.
We know you have your own priorities for what issues matter most: affordable housing, quality public education, immigration policies, access to healthcare, cost of living, environmental concerns, and more. Your vote in the Primary lets you select candidates who best represent your values and priorities. Now is the time to get started.
Register. Prepare. Vote. The LWVCC can help with all three.
Register to vote using the paper registration form, online, or when you go to vote in person. Whether you are a first-time voter, or if you have moved in the last 30 days, check your registration status and learn about your registration options on the Champaign County Clerk’s website (champaigncountyclerkil.gov/). Stop by the LWVCC table at the Urbana Indoor Market at Lincoln Square on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 8 a.m. - 12 noon, and we can assist you with this process and answer your questions about voting options.
Prepare to vote by learning more about the candidates. What are the candidates‘ priorities, and how do they align with yours? The League’s online nonpartisan Candidate Guide (votechampaign.org) provides specific information about the candidates on your ballot, including questions asked of those running in contested races.
In partnership with Illinois Public Media, NAACP Champaign County Branch, and the News-Gazette, the League plans to co-sponsor a candidate forum with the two Democratic candidates for County Executive. The pre-recorded forum will be broadcast in mid-February. Other forums may be scheduled depending on candidate availability. The exact dates and times will be announced on will.illinois.edu/tv and on the League’s website.
Make a Plan and Vote! Voting may be challenging for some community members this year, as election day, March 17, falls during spring break for the University of Illinois and local schools. If you will be away on March 17, make a plan to vote early, either in person or by mail. You can register and vote on the same day (Grace Period), starting at the County Clerk’s office on February 18 and at other countywide locations on March 9. The schedule and a list of locations is available on the Champaign County Clerk’s website.
For those who want to vote by mail, request your ballot on the County Clerk’s website as soon as possible so you can have plenty of time to do your research and consider your votes. Mail ballots can be returned to any of the official mail ballot drop boxes located around Champaign County by 7:00pm on March 17. By returning your ballot this way, you also save the county prepaid postage costs. The locations of these highly secure boxes can be found on the County Clerk’s website.
If you return your ballot using US mail, it must be postmarked March 17 or before. Due to changes in USPS postmarking and transportation rules, at his January 27 press conference, Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons stressed returning your ballot as soon as possible—”at least one week before election day.”
The LWVCC supports that recommendation and makes this additional suggestion: if mailing your ballot through USPS on March 16 or 17, take your ballot inside the post office to get it postmarked by hand, rather than using an outdoor postal mailbox.
Check out all the key dates and voting information available at lwvchampaigncounty.org on the “About Voting” tab.
Over the last century, the League has fought for election protection, democratic reforms, and equal access to the ballot—all while maintaining our commitment to nonpartisanship. The League does not align with any political party, ideology or candidate. We are dedicated to protecting our democracy and ensuring all eligible citizens have the right to vote.
Our Vote is our Power. Let’s use it during this Primary election.
The League of Women Voters of Champaign County (LWVCC) urges everyone who is eligible to use their right to vote in this year’s Primary election. Every vote matters. All eligible voters can vote in this election. Voters must choose either a Democratic or Republican ballot but do not have to be members of either party.
Why Vote in the Primary?
The Primary election season is here, with early voting for registered voters starting at the Bennett Administrative Center in Urbana on Thursday, February 5. This year, there are several contested Primary races, including among Democratic party candidates for Champaign County Executive and Republican party candidates for Illinois Governor. US Congressional Districts IL-13 and IL-15 have contested races in both Republican and Democratic parties. The outcome of the Primary election determines who is on your ballot in the November 3 Midterm election at all levels - local, state, and federal.
We know you have your own priorities for what issues matter most: affordable housing, quality public education, immigration policies, access to healthcare, cost of living, environmental concerns, and more. Your vote in the Primary lets you select candidates who best represent your values and priorities. Now is the time to get started.
Register. Prepare. Vote. The LWVCC can help with all three.
Register to vote using the paper registration form, online, or when you go to vote in person. Whether you are a first-time voter, or if you have moved in the last 30 days, check your registration status and learn about your registration options on the Champaign County Clerk’s website (champaigncountyclerkil.gov/). Stop by the LWVCC table at the Urbana Indoor Market at Lincoln Square on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 8 a.m. - 12 noon, and we can assist you with this process and answer your questions about voting options.
Prepare to vote by learning more about the candidates. What are the candidates‘ priorities, and how do they align with yours? The League’s online nonpartisan Candidate Guide (votechampaign.org) provides specific information about the candidates on your ballot, including questions asked of those running in contested races.
In partnership with Illinois Public Media, NAACP Champaign County Branch, and the News-Gazette, the League plans to co-sponsor a candidate forum with the two Democratic candidates for County Executive. The pre-recorded forum will be broadcast in mid-February. Other forums may be scheduled depending on candidate availability. The exact dates and times will be announced on will.illinois.edu/tv and on the League’s website.
Make a Plan and Vote! Voting may be challenging for some community members this year, as election day, March 17, falls during spring break for the University of Illinois and local schools. If you will be away on March 17, make a plan to vote early, either in person or by mail. You can register and vote on the same day (Grace Period), starting at the County Clerk’s office on February 18 and at other countywide locations on March 9. The schedule and a list of locations is available on the Champaign County Clerk’s website.
For those who want to vote by mail, request your ballot on the County Clerk’s website as soon as possible so you can have plenty of time to do your research and consider your votes. Mail ballots can be returned to any of the official mail ballot drop boxes located around Champaign County by 7:00pm on March 17. By returning your ballot this way, you also save the county prepaid postage costs. The locations of these highly secure boxes can be found on the County Clerk’s website.
If you return your ballot using US mail, it must be postmarked March 17 or before. Due to changes in USPS postmarking and transportation rules, at his January 27 press conference, Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons stressed returning your ballot as soon as possible—”at least one week before election day.”
The LWVCC supports that recommendation and makes this additional suggestion: if mailing your ballot through USPS on March 16 or 17, take your ballot inside the post office to get it postmarked by hand, rather than using an outdoor postal mailbox.
Check out all the key dates and voting information available at lwvchampaigncounty.org on the “About Voting” tab.
Over the last century, the League has fought for election protection, democratic reforms, and equal access to the ballot—all while maintaining our commitment to nonpartisanship. The League does not align with any political party, ideology or candidate. We are dedicated to protecting our democracy and ensuring all eligible citizens have the right to vote.
Our Vote is our Power. Let’s use it during this Primary election.
Karen B. Kane and Ann Prisland are Voter Ready Team Members at the League of Women Voters of Champaign County. Email Kane at [email protected]
