Persons who wish to file a complaint for a violation of provisions of the Election Code, other than Article 9, may do so by submitting the
complaint in writing to the Executive Director. The complaint must be submitted in person or mailed with the United States Postal Service,
postage prepaid, to the address listed below. Complaints submitted via email may not be considered. The complaint must include the name of
the person submitting the complaint (the SBE will not evaluate anonymous complaints), and a way of contacting the person making the complaint,
such as an address, e-mail address and/or a telephone number. The complaint must also specify the statutory provision(s) that has been violated,
and describe in particular the nature of the complaint.
If available, documentary evidence, (including photographs) should be included with the
filing as well as contact information for any witnesses. Complainants alleging election-day violations should be brought to the attention of the
Election Authority of the jurisdiction in which the alleged violation occurred (In most jurisdictions, the election authority is the county clerk.).
Complaints alleging a criminal violation such as vote fraud, voter intimidation, etc., should be referred to the State’s Attorney’s office of the
county in which the alleged violation occurred, as the State Board of Elections lacks jurisdiction to commence a criminal prosecution.
Upon receipt of a complaint, the Board staff will evaluate the matters alleged, and if it appears a violation has occurred, the complaint will be referred to the
appropriate office for further review and possible prosecution. [10 ILCS 5/1A-8]. Complaints alleging a violation of Article 9 (the Campaign Finance
Act) must be filed pursuant to the provisions contained in Section 5/9-20 of the Election Code.
Bernadette Matthews
Executive Director, Illinois State Board of Elections
69 W. Washington St., Suite LL08, Chicago, IL 60602