A higher than usual voter turnout is bringing Democrats to Champaign County offices, many of which have not been filled by a Democrat for years.

County clerks maintain records on local taxes and Vital Records including marriage licenses and birth and death certificates. But the job of running local elections is what’s getting the most attention in the Champaign County Clerk election. Republican Matt Grandone is promoting his experience, while Democrat Aaron Ammons says he’ll work for voter rights and access.

Federal election law requires states to keep accurate and up-to-date voter registration rolls. But one tool to help them do so is at the center of a partisan debate. In Illinois, many Democrats are calling on the state Board of Elections to stop participation in the Interstate Voter Registration Crosscheck Program, or Crosscheck, for short.

Democrat Aaron Ammons says he’s running for Champaign County Clerk to make sure everyone can exercise their right to vote. The Urbana alderman and local union official announced his bid for county clerk on Labor Day.

Two weekend events organized by Democratic groups seek out not only ways to respond to the policies of President Donald Trump, but are also intended to sign up volunteers for community groups. Organizers of Saturday's "Building a Progressive Politics in the Trump Era" include Urbana Alderman Aaron Ammons, while Sunday's "First We Marched, Now We Huddle" is seen as the Champaign County Young Democrats' follow-up to the Women's March held in downtown Champaign in January.