County Clerk Versus Election Authority

In Illinois, the relationship between the county clerk and the election authority can be confusing — and in some counties, they are the same office. Understanding this distinction is important for voters who want to know who is actually responsible for running their elections.

What Is an Election Authority?

Under Illinois law, an election authority is the body legally responsible for conducting elections in a given jurisdiction. In most Illinois counties, the county clerk serves as the election authority. However, in some jurisdictions — including the City of Chicago and a handful of other areas — a separate, independent election commission serves as the election authority instead.

St. Clair County's Structure

In St. Clair County, the County Clerk serves as the election authority. This means the clerk is directly responsible for voter registration, polling place administration, ballot preparation, and the canvass of results. There is no separate election commission — the buck stops with the clerk.

Why This Matters

Because the County Clerk holds both administrative and election authority functions, the person in that office has enormous influence over how elections are run. Gary Hursey believes this responsibility demands the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and competence. He is running to bring exactly that to the St. Clair County Clerk's office.