Illinois Valley Times

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 diligently to ensure the security of elections and promote voting. Spain specifically highlighted the Election Security Grant Program as a positive step towards securing funding for election security measures.

Spain acknowledged the diverse needs of different locations within the state of Illinois and expressed his support for allowing counties to apply for grants that are relevant to their unique local needs. He stated, "Having safe and secure elections is very much a bipartisan issue. I appreciate having this hearing today."

Ryan Spain has been representing the 73rd District since 2017 and has a background in public service. Before serving in the state legislature, he was elected to the Peoria City Council and currently holds a position at OSF Healthcare System as the Vice President of Economic Development.

The issue of election security is of great concern, as demonstrated by the hacking incident in 2016 when Russian hackers accessed around 500,000 personal voter records from the Illinois State Board of Elections. This incident highlights the need for robust security measures to protect the integrity of elections.

Recently, residents in Illinois have been voicing their concerns about election security. During a news conference, Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman, who was also present at the House Ethics and Elections Committee hearing, addressed questions regarding a new law set to take effect on Jan 1 and how it will safeguard the upcoming elections.

Overall, the focus on election security and the bipartisan support for ensuring safe and secure elections in Illinois is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the democratic process.