Knox County Clerk Scott Erickson was among a group of Illinois election officials who traveled to Washington, D.C., on April 28 to meet with members of Congress and advocate for continued federal support for election infrastructure.

Erickson joined clerks from Alexander, Putnam, Lake and Tazewell counties as part of a bipartisan delegation participating in “Election Infrastructure Advocacy Day 2026.” The group was among more than 100 election authorities from 26 states meeting with lawmakers.

Knox County Clerk Scott Erickson, second from left, joins members of the Illinois county clerk delegation in Washington, D.C., on April 28, 2026, for meetings with federal lawmakers on election infrastructure. (Photo courtesy of the Knox County Clerk’s Office)

According to officials, discussions focused on the need for sustained federal funding to address rising costs, cybersecurity threats and increasing demands on local election systems.

The Illinois delegation met with several members of Congress, including U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood, Brad Schneider and Nikki Budzinski, along with staff for additional lawmakers and the House Administration Committee.

Trip expenses were covered through a private grant from the Project for Election Infrastructure, with no public funds used.

In a statement, Erickson said the meetings gave federal officials a clearer understanding of the concerns facing local election offices.