* I posted this earlier today…

O’Neill Burke’s response: “Bob says a lot of things. I don’t pay much attention to them.” https://t.co/VDZlgrSiDL

— Paris Schutz (@paschutz) November 5, 2024

* From a Fioretti press release…

Cook County State’s Attorney candidate Bob Fioretti lambasted the various “Election Hotlines” relating to today’s Cook County elections are non-existent.

WTTW posted a phone number for voters to call the US Attorney’s office if they spot any election irregularities. Fioretti called that number to see what would happen. The person who answered the phone said there is nobody from the US Attorney’s office on the ground, and any call would be referred to the appropriate election authority hotline. The Cook County Clerk does not even have a hotline to investigate election problems. The Chicago Board of Elections does have a number prominently displayed. Fioretti called that number three times. The phone rang and rang and rang. Nobody answered any of the three calls. Fioretti noted that all three government entities are headed by Democrats.

“We hear often from Democrats about how much they care about ‘democracy,’” Fioretti, a former two-time Chicago Alderman from Chicago’s Historic 2nd Ward, said. “As usual, those who scream the loudest about ‘democracy’ actually care the least about it.”

The only civil rights lawyer to ever run for Cook County State’s Attorney, Fioretti wonders what recourse voters have if they find problems with the election. “The media and election ‘experts’ say there are very few ‘proven cases of election fraud,” Fioretti said. “How could there be, if the election authority won’t even answer the phone to take down the complaint? It is easy to see how voters who have seen irregularities could tire of this shell game played by election authorities.”

Fioretti said voters who suspect election fraud should call an actual number at which someone will actually investigate the matter. Protect The Vote at 312-500-8312.

Part of the State’s Attorney’s office involves enforcing election integrity. “There was a time when the office deployed 400 Assistant State’s Attorneys to be on call to investigate election day shenanigans,” Fioretti said. “When I’m State’s Attorney, election integrity will be a priority again.”

OK, let’s take this one point at a time.

* 1) I called the US Attorney’s office and was told the hotline number is basically just an intake complaint hotline. People are referred to the proper authorities. However, I was told, most of the calls they get are mostly like “Where can I park at my polling place?” and “What time does my polling place close?”

Prompted by the US Attorney, I asked the Fioretti campaign what question(s) Fioretti asked when he called. I have not heard back. If Fioretti did have a valid voter fraud complaint (which he has never actually disclosed), this press release explains what would happen next.

On the rare instance when things like voter/worker intimidation is an issue, people are advised to call 911 and notify the police.

* 2) On to the Cook County Clerk…

We have a massive dedicated team taking Election Day calls from voters, election judges, field techs, poll watchers, and residents like you!

Have any questions or issues at the polls? Our election judges will get you in contact with a team member to assist with any issues. pic.twitter.com/61Q7qrNZiZ

— Cook County Clerk's Office (@cookcountyclerk) November 5, 2024

From the county sheriff…

The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who sees suspicious activity at their polling location to call 911 or Sheriff’s Police at 847-635-1188.

* 3) I called the Chicago Board of Elections’ hotline number (312.269.7870) at about 1:30 and somebody picked up on the first ring. Easy peasey.

* 4) That “Protect the Vote” hotline in Fioretti’s release was set up by the Illinois Republican Party. When you call it, you get a recorded message from Lara Trump that asks you for further info. The state Democratic Party also has a hotline number, (855) 458-6837, as does the attorney general…

Raoul urged voters to call his office if they encounter suspected improper or illegal activity. Chicago and northern Illinois voters can call 1-866-536-3496. Central and southern Illinois voters can call 1-866-559-6812. Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities can reach the office by using the 7-1-1 relay service.

Also…

Don’t let intimidation silence you at the polls! If you see something, say something. Report any voter intimidation to the Illinois State Board of Elections today! 🗳️🚨 #VoterProtection #CivicEngagement #MakeADifference pic.twitter.com/2dynpLuAwy

— Illinois SBE (@illinoissbe) November 5, 2024