As Cook County’s Chief Election Authority, I have a very clear responsibility to protect the integrity of our elections and ensure the public can have full confidence in the process and the results.

In recent months, the growth of online prediction markets — particularly those involving election outcomes — has raised important questions about oversight, transparency, and the potential misuse of information. These platforms remain largely unregulated and continue to face scrutiny from policymakers and the public alike.

Let me be clear: the Cook County Clerk’s Office does not participate in, endorse, or rely on prediction markets in any aspect of our election operations. Our work is grounded in verified data, established procedures, and a commitment to accuracy above all else.

We are taking proactive steps to reinforce our internal policies regarding the secure handling of information across all divisions. This includes clear guidance to staff that non-public information — especially any data related to election administration — must never be used or shared for personal gain or external speculation of any kind.

These measures build on the broader efforts we’ve seen at the state level to address emerging concerns around the use of sensitive government information. While state and federal leaders continue to evaluate potential regulatory frameworks, we are focused on what we can control: maintaining the highest standards within our office.

The Clerk’s Office will also be engaging with the Cook County Board to explore additional policy direction that ensures clear expectations and accountability for how information entrusted to our office is handled.

Most importantly, I want voters to know that election results in suburban Cook County are determined by ballots cast, not by markets, speculation, or outside influence. We remain committed to delivering timely, accurate results and to upholding the trust placed in us by the residents we serve.

Monica Gordon

Cook County Clerk