Filing objections to delay by-mail, early voting

Kane County Clerk John A. Cunningham announced Jan. 28 that ongoing objections to several presidential candidates are not anticipated to be resolved by the state board of elections in time for ballots to be prepared and voting tabulators to be programmed for the opening of by-mail and early voting on Feb. 4.

The ballots and machines will be available no later than Feb. 17, the beginning of grace period registration and voting, by which time most challenges seeking to remove candidates from the ballot should have been decided and final ballot certifications issued by the state board of elections.

"It is possible that ballots may be available prior to Feb. 17 and, if so, we will notify the media and voters through a release on our website and social media," Cunningham said.

"It's unfortunate that the compressed filing calendar for presidential candidates and the circumstances of these objections will likely delay our receiving final certifications from the state board of elections and affect the opening of voting statewide. Once final certifications are received, we will move as quickly as possible to finalize ballots, program machines and open for voting."

Voters attempting to vote early during the period when ballots are unavailable will be offered an application to vote by mail, or the opportunity to vote early when ballots are available.

Voters seeking more information about voting by mail should visit www.kanecountyelections.org.

For early voting schedules and locations, visit www.kanecountyelections.org, or contact the office at elections@co.kane.il.us or (630) 232-5950.