Ever since the integrity of election security was breached in 2016 several states including Illinois have hardened defenses when it comes to cyber security during elections. County Clerk Scott Erickson is involved in several cyber security task forces that mainly focus on best practices. Erickson it’s been a hot-button issue for a couple years now. “The federal government has made this a top security concern, so it keeps cycling itself back around,” Erickson said. “We’re happy to talk and remind people and assure them that the voting process is safe. We want them to participate and we want them to be comfortable with their vote.” He adds that voting in Knox County is safe. Voting machines are not connected to the internet. Erickson says county officials work with groups from Washington D.C. and throughout the state that monitor certain IP addresses and the county receives updates almost daily on threats to look out for. “Our state association has good communication where if someone has something that looks a little fishy – they’re putting it out to their fellow clerks and officials,” Erickson said.
Some needed changes have been made to polling places in the upcoming election. Erickson said when making a change to a polling place, there’s a lot that goes into it. People get used to going to the traditional sites – so getting the word out as early as possible is key. The first change is Lynn Township in the north-eastern most corner of Knox County. “(People were) voting in a traditional township building,” Erickson said. “It looks like an old one-room schoolhouse (with) beautiful woodwork – beautiful built-in polling booths. They had some critters that got in, tore the place up, knocked the ceiling down… (So) we’re moving the polling location to the Lake Calhoun Country Club. It’s, I think, less than a mile down the road from where it’s currently at. It’ll be in their club house – a newer environment. A little nicer, it’s got indoor bathrooms, so the election judges should be happy with that one.” The second location change is the Truro Township in east-central Knox County. Truro Township voting was done in the fire station in Williamsfield – and it has now moved down the road to the American Legion in Williamsfield. The final new polling place is the Copley Township north of Oak Run – the township has a new building built at 15-31 Illinois Route 167 west of Victoria. Erickson says if you are unsure of the changes, feel free to contact the County Clerks office or stop by and you can cast your early vote.
