Peoria Standard

Ryan Spain, House Rep. of Illinois House of Representatives, emphasized the importance of safe and secure elections during a House Ethics and Elections Committee subject matter hearing on Oct 18th. 

He praised the experts who have been working hard to ensure election security and promote voting. Spain specifically highlighted the Election Security Grant Program, stating that allowing counties to apply for grants relevant to their unique needs is a good idea. He acknowledged that different locations within the diverse state of Illinois will have different needs when it comes to election security.

Spain emphasized that having safe and secure elections is a bipartisan issue, stating, "Having safe and secure elections is very much a bipartisan issue. I appreciate having this hearing today." He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to discuss this important matter.

Ryan Spain has been representing the people of the 73rd District since 2017. Before serving in the state legislature, he was elected to the Peoria City Council in 2017, becoming the youngest at-large member in Peoria history. Spain currently works as the Vice President of Economic Development at OSF Healthcare System.

The issue of election security is of particular concern in Illinois. In 2016, Russian hackers breached the Illinois State Board of Elections and accessed up to 500,000 personal voter records. This incident highlights the need for robust security measures to protect the integrity of elections.

Residents in Illinois have also been actively engaged in discussions about election security. Last month, residents raised questions during a news conference with Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman, who was also present at the House Ethics and Elections Committee hearing on Oct. 18th. They expressed concerns about a new law going into effect on Jan. 1 and sought reassurances about how the upcoming election will be safeguarded.

The hearing provided a platform for experts and lawmakers to discuss election security measures and address the concerns of residents. The bipartisan nature of this issue underscores the importance of ensuring the integrity of elections and promoting voter confidence.