Election Security

Karen A. Yarbrough, Cook County's first African American and first female Clerk, is working to ensure the office's smooth transition to new, state-of-the-art voting equipment,
which will roll out countywide in the 2020 Primary Election. The new equipment, which has already received unanimously positive feedback from voters in a pilot program, will safeguard Illinois voting system, which requires a paper backup of all votes cast. The new system will allow voters to mark and print their own paper ballot to ensure that their choices are accurately recorded. Clerk Yarbrough is also proud to be one of the only voting offices in the country to employ a cybersecurity expert. The office, which works closely with federal authorities, is recognized nationally as a leader in setting best practices for running free and fair elections. As the Office enters the upcoming transition period, Clerk Yarbrough is urging civic-minded residents and community groups to consider serving as Election Judges, a great way to learn about our democracy and earn some extra money. She is especially eager to convince high school students to serve as well, and see firsthand how technology is powering government administration.