Election Authorities From Alexander County, Putnam County, Knox County, Lake County, and Tazewell County Join Nationwide Effort To Secure Grant Funding And Support of Election Infrastructure
WASHINGTON DC: A delegation of Illinois County Clerks was in Washington DC on April 28th for meetings throughout the day with legislators to discuss the continued need for Federal Government Grant Funding and support of Election Infrastructure. The bipartisan delegation included Alexander County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds Zachary Price, Putnam County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds Tina Dolder, Knox County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds Scott Erickson, Lake County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds Anthony Vega, and Tazewell County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds John C. Ackernan along with Tazewell County Chief Deputy Clerk Dan Sullivan.
They were joined by over 100 Election Authorities from 26 states throughout the United States for “Election Infrastructure Advocacy Day 2026”.
The Illinois Delegation meet with Congressman Darin LaHood, Congressman Brad Schneider, and Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski and staff for Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congressman Eric Sorenson, Congressman Mike Bost, and Senator Tammy Duckworth.
In addition Clerk John C. Ackerman, Clerk Anthony Vega, Clerk Zachary Price, and Clerk Tina Dolder joined Election Authorities from Wisconsin, Colorado, and Minnesota for a meeting with staff for Representative Bryan Steil of Wisconsin and the Majority Staff for the House Administration Committee.
All expenses for this trip were funded by a Private Grant from the Project for Election Infrastructure. No public funding was utilized for this trip.
“I am proud to stand with election officials from across the country in Washington DC to call for sustained federal investment in our election infrastructure. We are all committed to protecting every vote, but the reality is that rising costs, growing cybersecurity threats, and increased demands on our elections cannot be met without strong federal support. Restoring $400 million for election security grants is essential to ensure safe, secure, and reliable elections in Ilinois and in every community nationwide. Protecting our democracy requires partnership, and voters deserve nothing less,” Lake County Clerk – Office of Anthony Vega
“This delegation brought together Local Election Authorities from large urban jurisdictions, medium size downstate jurisdictions, smaller rural jurisdictions, both Republican and Democrat Elected Officials” stated Tazewell County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds John C. Ackerman. “Elections over the past decade have become more complex and have witnessed dramatically increased cost and staffing demands. With the strength of a united message, it is my hope the Congressional members and staff see the vital importance of our need for Federal Government support and assistance.”
“This trip proved to be very successful in building bridges with our Federal partners” stated Knox County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds Scott Erickson. “They now have a better understanding of what important Election items we are concerned with.”
“The Advocacy Day experience was a way to show Congress that we had Bipartisan support to discuss the need for essential funding for election security and infrastructure” stated Tazewell County Chief Deputy Clerk Dan Sullivan.
“It was an honor to engage directly with congressional leaders on the critical issue of election infrastructure security, advocating for resources that strengthen the integrity of our democratic process” stated Alexander County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds Zachary Price. “Collaborating with election officials from across the country highlighted our shared commitment to protecting elections and ensuring public trust. Securing grant funding through these efforts represents a meaningful step forward in safeguarding future elections.”
“Today’s Election Infrastructure Advocacy Day 2026 was a powerful reminder that protecting our democracy takes partnership, innovation, and commitment” stated Putnam County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds Tina Dolder. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to stand alongside colleagues from across the nation, working with members of Congress to advocate for the critical election security grants that help ensure every voter can trust in a safe, secure, and accessible election. It was an amazing experience to be 1 of the 5 Illinois County Clerks to represent Illinois.” Election Authorities!”
Attached Photo L-R: The 2026 Illinois Delegation: Tazewell County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds John C. Ackerman, Knox County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds Scott Erickson, Christian Ackerman, Lake County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds Anthony Vega, Alexander County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds Zachary Price, Miley Dolder, Putnam County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds Tina Dolder, and Tazewell County Chief Deputy Clerk Dan Sullivan.
***Courtesy of the Knox County Clerk and Recorder***
