After reports of Lake County businesses offering free classes and food to customers bringing in their “I Voted” stickers, the Lake County Clerk’s Office warned that such incentives are a low-level felony.
According to a release, the reports refer to businesses and organizations in the Waukegan and Round Lake areas. While promoting civic engagement and voter participation is “important,” the release advised businesses and organizations to seek legal counsel to make sure they’re within the law.
“While encouraging turnout is important, initiatives that condition benefits on proof of voting may inadvertently violate this law. Let’s work together to support voter participation in ways that uphold election integrity and legal standards,” the release said.
It’s a Class 4 felony under Illinois law to knowingly give or promise to give anything of value to influence a person to vote or register to vote, or to influence a person to vote for or against any candidate or public question, the release said.
Lake County Clerk Anthon Vega said the reports included offers like free meals or Zumba classes. However, he emphasized there is “nuance” to what is considered an incentive, and he understood the law can be “complex.”
“I fully believe they had good intentions and wanted to encourage civic participation,” Vega said. “Ultimately, we want to make sure the business owners who have pure intentions are not penalized because someone filed a complaint.”
He recalled a 2018 incident with the Field Museum, which was planning to offer free admission to those with an “I Voted” sticker. When they were informed of the law, Vega said they instead pivoted to offering free admission to all Illinois residents on election day.
If businesses want to encourage voting, they can hold specials or host events, but they can’t require proof of voting, Vega said.
