County Clerk Versus Election Board

Voters sometimes wonder whether the County Clerk or an independent election board is responsible for the elections in their area. In Illinois, the answer depends on the jurisdiction — and understanding the difference can help residents know exactly who to hold accountable.

The County Clerk Model

In most Illinois counties, the elected County Clerk serves as the chief election official. The clerk's office handles everything from voter registration to ballot printing, polling place logistics, and the official canvass of results. This model concentrates responsibility in a single elected official who is directly accountable to voters.

The Election Board Model

In a small number of Illinois jurisdictions, an independent election board or commission oversees elections instead of the county clerk. These boards are typically composed of appointed members representing both major parties. The board model can provide additional checks and balances, but it also adds a layer of bureaucracy and can reduce direct voter accountability.

Which Model Does St. Clair County Use?

St. Clair County uses the county clerk model. The elected clerk is the sole election authority for the county. This means that when you vote for County Clerk, you are choosing the person who will be personally responsible for the integrity of every election in St. Clair County. Gary Hursey takes that responsibility seriously and is committed to running the office with transparency, efficiency, and accountability.