State board will appeal for more funds after Nov. 2 election

Along with affecting schools and social service agencies, the state's budget crisis is having an impact on county boards of elections, which start early voting today with the knowledge that they are getting less financial help than ever.

State Board of Elections Director Dan White said the state has committed to pay election agencies $45 for each election judge for the November election, as mandated by state law. However, the agency is likely to come up short on early voting costs something, before last year, the state used to pick up the tab on.

And Nov. 2 is just the first of three elections this fiscal year, with a February local primary and April local election coming up.

“The two local elections coming up, there's no funding after that, White said.

The state board intends to ask lawmakers for more money in November, he said.

The board received just less than $11 million half of what it requested for such expenses this year. Last fiscal year with only one election, the Feb. 2 primary the board was given $12.3 million in general funds.

“We realize the state's in a difficult situation, White said. “There's only so much that you can ask for. The $45 supplement for judges' pay is a mandate. Paying the cost of early voting is not.

Luckily, McHenry County Clerk Katherine Schultz said, early voting sites are offered to the county for free. “The basic expense is the setup and the judges that staff the sites, she said. “We're able to pick up these expenses (from the state) without being in dire straits.

Despite the dip in state funds, Courtney Greve, spokeswoman for Cook County Clerk David Orr's office, noted all election judges will still continue to be paid on time.

Early voting is open in a handful of suburban locations today Columbus Day, a federal holiday. Starting Tuesday, suburban voters can choose from dozens of early locations in their respective counties. To find those spots, check your county clerks' websites.