Voters across Tazewell County will soon see major improvements in accessibility at their local polling places, thanks to a newly awarded federal grant totaling $265,219.01. The funding, provided through the Illinois State Board of Elections, will support both infrastructure upgrades and the purchase of new ADA-compliant voting booths.

The grant, announced by Tazewell County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds John C. Ackerman, will fully fund enhancements at four key community sites:

• Marquette Heights Municipal Building: $105,350 will go toward resurfacing the parking lot and sidewalks, along with upgraded lighting to improve visibility and safety.
• Mackinaw Community Center: $80,000 will fund a new concrete parking lot and sidewalk replacements.
• Creve Coeur Community Center: $25,605 will be used to replace and improve doorways for easier access.
• Sand Prairie Township Hall: $19,941 will support the installation of an entrance ramp and expanded hard-surface parking.

In addition, $34,323.01 will be used to purchase 54 new ADA voting booths designed to accommodate touchscreen monitors, ensuring accessible voting options at every polling location in the county.

“These upgrades represent a significant step forward in making our elections more inclusive,” Ackerman said. “We’ve worked hard to secure federal funding so that these improvements don’t fall on the shoulders of local taxpayers.”

This latest round of funding builds on a strong history of investment in voter access. Since 2021, the Clerk’s Office has secured more than $750,000 in federal grants, resulting in improvements at facilities including the Fondulac Folepi Building, Washington Township Building, and the McKenzie Building in downtown Pekin. Past projects have also included upgrades to voting signage and ADA enhancements to the county’s government website.

All newly funded projects are expected to begin immediately and must be completed by June 15, 2026.