Illinois GOP files lawsuit over poll practices
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. - Illinois Republicans are asking for court intervention in Rock Island County because, they say, proper election procedure isn't being followed.
Rock Island Republican County Chair William Bloom filed the complaint Wednesday against county clerk Karen Kinney in county circuit court. The complaint alleges the "correct outcome" of an expectedly close election between Gov. Pat Quinn and Republican Bruce Rauner may be in jeopardy.
The complaint claims absentee ballots are being opened early and poll-watchers are being prevented from observing voting procedures.
Republicans want opened ballots "impounded" and separated from other returned ballots until the court rules.
Illinois GOP Chair Tim Schneider says the complaint is necessary to "ensure that every single voter's voice is heard."
But Rock Island State's Attorney John McGehee says Kinney's confident she followed proper procedure.