WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tazewell County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds John Ackerman was part of a bipartisan delegation of Illinois County Clerks who visited Washington, D.C. on Tuesday to meet with legislators regarding the continued need for Federal Government Grant Funding and support for election infrastructure.
Ackerman and Tazewell County Chief Deputy Clerk Dan Sullivan joined election authorities from Alexander, Putnam, Knox, and Lake Counties for “Election Infrastructure Advocacy Day 2026,” a nationwide effort that included over 100 officials from 26 states.
The Illinois delegation met with key representatives, including Congressman Darin LaHood, Congressman Brad Schneider, and Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, as well as staff for Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congressman Eric Sorenson, Congressman Mike Bost, and Senator Tammy Duckworth.
Ackerman also participated in a separate meeting with Election Authorities from Wisconsin, Colorado, and Minnesota, meeting with staff for Representative Bryan Steil and the Majority Staff for the House Administration Committee.
“Elections over the past decade have become more complex and have witnessed dramatically increased cost and staffing demands,” Ackerman said. “With the strength of a united message, it is my hope the Congressional members and staff see the vital importance of our need for Federal Government support and assistance”.
Chief Deputy Clerk Dan Sullivan added that the advocacy day showed Congress there was “Bipartisan support to discuss the need for essential funding for election security and infrastructure”.
All expenses for the trip to Washington, D.C. were covered by a private grant from the Project for Election Infrastructure, with no public funding used.
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