Monica Gordon Backs Cook County Efforts to Protect Election Workers, Expand Voter Access (Chicago, IL) – Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon is voicing support for proposed county legislation aimed at protecting election workers from harassment while expanding voter access and civic participation across Cook County.
The proposed Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Fair Access to Democracy Throughout Cook County Ordinance, sponsored by Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry, would establish protections for election workers and create a countywide advisory council focused on voter engagement and access.
The ordinance seeks to address concerns about harassment, intimidation and the disclosure of personal information involving election workers while promoting greater public participation in the democratic process.
“Democracy is strongest when every eligible voter has an equal opportunity to make their voice heard,” Gordon said. “The legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. reminds us that expanding access to the ballot and ensuring fairness in our elections are responsibilities we must continue to embrace. Protecting the people who administer our elections is an important part of that work.”
Gordon, whose office oversees elections in suburban Cook County, said protecting election officials and increasing access to voting remain critical priorities as voter participation efforts continue throughout the county.
The announcement comes as the Cook County Clerk’s Office receives national recognition for election administration innovation.
Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps has introduced a resolution honoring the Clerk’s Office after it received a U.S. Election Assistance Commission Clearinghouse Award for its “Defenders of DA’mocracy” initiative.
The program, developed in partnership with the Chicago Bears, transformed 24 suburban Cook County high schools into fully operational early voting locations. Organizers said the initiative introduced thousands of students to the electoral process while increasing access to voting opportunities for residents.
Gordon is also scheduled to participate in a panel discussion on voting rights and civic engagement during the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Annual Conference.
The panel, titled “Voting Rights and Expanding Democracy,” will take place at 1 p.m. Friday at Operation PUSH headquarters in Chicago and will feature discussions on voter participation, election access and strategies for strengthening democratic engagement.
Supporters of the proposed ordinance say the measure reflects ongoing efforts to protect election workers, improve voter confidence and expand participation throughout Cook County communities.
Monica Gordon Backs Cook County Efforts to Protect Election Workers, Expand Voter Access
