WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. — We’re just 35 days from election day, and as voters head to the polls, Illinois election officials remind everyone on the importance of staying up to date on accurate information about the voting process.

The Illinois State Board of elections wants people to know that your local county clerk’s office should be a main source for election information — not social media.

Matt Dietrich is the spokesperson for the Illinois State Board of Elections and believes social media is one of the root causes for disinformation and misinformation being spread during election seasons. That’s why his office is running a disinformation campaign ad on WPSD-TV. He said the main message of that ad is to remind people it’s okay to rely on your local election officials for accurate info. 

"They need to reinforce with their voters the idea that if…you have questions about elections, don’t rely on your social media feed to answer those questions. Go directly to your county clerk and ask them," said Dietrich.

Staff at the Williamson County Clerk’s office pride themselves on ensuring their voters stay well informed. Much like Dietrich mentioned, County Clerk Amanda Barnes said reaching out to clerk’s offices is a voter’s best bet for information.

"I think we see things out in the media and different sites, websites or, you know, and we get confused, and sometimes it’s for a different state, it’s not ours," said Barnes.

Barnes is looking to the problem for a solution, using social media to communicate directly with voters about disinformation online.

"People think one thing, and are maybe too afraid to just call our office and ask. So we’re trying to put more information out there for people to see," said Barnes.

If you come across a social media post spreading misinformation or disinformation, ignore it. Don’t like the post or share it. That helps keep it from getting more traction or popping up again on your feed.