Galesburg Reporter

Illinois 17th Congressional District candidate Judge Joe McGraw shared information about voting, stating, "Early voting kicks off across most of Illinois today," in a Sept. 26 Facebook post.

"Early voting kicks off across most of Illinois today," said Judge Joe Mcgraw, according to Facebook. "Here's what you need to know."

In his Facebook post, McGraw shared a message from the Illinois State Board of Elections. It included a graphic that read, "Ready. Set. Vote. Early voting is now available." The post text said, "Today’s the day, Illinois! Early voting kicks off! No excuses needed—everyone can vote early!"

Screenshot of Judge Joe McGraw's Sept. 26 Facebook post | Judge Joe McGraw's Facebook page

According to the Illinois Online Voter Registration website, individuals can register or update an existing registration and must meet specific state requirements: U.S. citizenship, residency in the precinct for at least 30 days before the election, and being at least 18 years old by the general election. Additionally, individuals must not be serving a sentence of confinement in any penal institution and must not claim the right to vote elsewhere. The registration portal will close at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 20 and reopen on Nov. 7.

Individuals can apply for a mail ballot up to five days before an election. For the 2024 General Election, this means the deadline to apply is Oct. 31, 2024. Completed ballots may be mailed or delivered in person to the local election authority or placed into a secure drop box but cannot be delivered to early voting locations, according to the Frequently Asked Questions document for vote by mail.

Having previously served as a prosecutor, private attorney, and retired Circuit Court judge, McGraw officially announced his candidacy for the 17th Congressional District in mid-October. He is set to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.), who narrowly won in 2022. According to Pantagraph, McGraw's campaign strongly emphasizes law-and-order principles. He utilizes his extensive judicial experience to address issues related to urban crime and immigration. His policy positions include advocating for constructing a border wall, endorsing comprehensive immigration reform, and supporting state regulation over federal intervention in abortion-related matters.