CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — "There are things happening across the country, that we don't want to have happen here in Champaign County" says Julia Rietz, State's Attorney. 

Champaign County is taking extra precautions for poll protections this election season, and County Clerk Aaron Ammons says action starts now. 

His office, already seeing an increase in electioneering and poll watching without credentials during early voting.

"This behavior is not just unacceptable, but it's illegal."

The emphasis on campaigning outside of the campaign free zone, which is one hundred feet beyond the entrance of the polling place, is key. Electioneering includes political discussion, campaign materials, hats, shirts, and placement of signs.

Ammons recognized past events in Champaign, which led to the office increasing their safety measures. Champaign voters, are already seeing improvement at the polls. 

"It was well done. There was not any lobbying. It was safe. There was no problems. There was no agitation, no warlike attitude or anything. It was very friendly" says Nestor Ramirez, as he exited the polling center. 

Ammons, and his office, are committed to make voting in Champaign an efficient and safe experience for all voters. 

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