Complications Arise Just 12 Days Before Ill. Vote

With just 12 days left before Election Day in one of the nation's most closely watched races for governor, Illinois officials are beginning to deal with complications from balloting procedures to how soon they can count votes.  

Attorney General Lisa Madigan issued an opinion that no votes should be counted before the 7 p.m. close of polls on Nov. 4. Elections authorities in Chicago and suburban Cook County say if they can't even prepare votes for counting before then, vote-total reporting will be seriously delayed.  

In Rock Island County, Republicans filed a lawsuit Thursday against the Democratic county clerk. It alleges mail-in votes are being opened early and poll-watchers are prohibited from observing the process.  

Rock Island State's Attorney John McGehee says County Clerk Karen Kinney believes she's acting properly.