By Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – After receiving a number of complaints of voter fraud in Kankakee County, the Illinois Republican Party has set up a hotline for county residents who have been offered bribes in exchange for their votes for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and state Rep. Kate Cloonen, D-Kankakee, both Democrats.
Aaron DeGroot, spokesman for the Illinois Republican Party, said anyone who believes he or she may have witnessed an instance of voter fraud or was approached by someone offering a bribe should call the hotline.
“This is one measure the public can utilize,” DeGroot said, “If they see or are aware of any voter fraud sightings going on, they can report it to the hotline, and we will make sure it is passed on to the proper authorities.”
The State’s Attorney’s Office opened up an investigation, and DeGroot said the state’s attorney will decide whether to pursue the matter any further.
DeGroot said whatever the outcome of the investigation, the Illinois GOP wants to make sure that a fair election takes place next month.
“If voter fraud is occurring, we hope it is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” DeGroot said. “It’s up to the prosecutors in Kankakee to decide if they want to move forward with the case if there is one.”
DeGroot said this is the first time he has seen reports of voter fraud happening in the state and said the GOP takes the allegations seriously. DeGroot said that by calling the hotline, county residents who have witnessed incidences of voter fraud can help with the ongoing investigation.
The State’s Attorney’s Office in Kankakee County is still looking into the allegations, and DeGroot wasn’t sure how long the investigation would take, or what the outcome would be.
DeGroot urged anyone who has seen an example of voter fraud to call the hotline at 1-844-4-IL-FRAUD and notify local voting authorities as well.
