Following allegations of intimidation or interference with students during early voting last week, 18 seniors from Cahokia High School voting for the first time Tuesday were escorted by a St. Clair County sheriff's deputy and two investigators from the St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office to the county courthouse for early voting.

"There were concerns expressed that high school seniors voting may be unduly influenced or intimidated by supporters of two opposing campaigns in a race for county board district 25, specifically Joe Morgan and Curtis McCall Jr.," State's Attorney Brendan Kelly said.

"The Cahokia High School provides seniors an opportunity to vote early. To ensure that opportunity wasn't obstructed in any way, a sheriff's deputy and two state's attorney investigators accompanied the last group today (Tuesday)."

No official complaints have been filed regarding last week's allegations, according to Kelly. He said there were no incidents when Cahokia students voted Tuesday.

In a separate incident, non-traffic misdemeanor complaints were filed for criminal trespass and assault against two individuals as a result of events during early voting Sunday at Cahokia Fitness Center, Kelly said.

St. Clair County sheriff's deputies and state's attorney investigators were present at early voting in Cahokia during the weekend and will be present this coming weekend, according to Kelly.

On Election Day, 20 assistant state's attorneys, five investigators and seven sheriff's deputies are expected to be deployed throughout St. Clair County to monitor polling places and respond to complaints regarding violations of election laws.

Illinois law says any person who, by force, intimidation, threat, deception or forgery, knowingly prevents any other person from registering to vote, or lawfully voting, supporting or opposing the nomination or election of any person for public office or any public question voted upon at any election, may be guilty of a Class 4 felony.

"Voting is a sacred right that must be protected from any interference -- discrimination or fraud," Kelly said.

Contact reporter Jamie Forsythe at 239-2562 or jforsythe1@bnd.com.

Contact reporter Jamie Forsythe at 239-2562 or jforsythe1@bnd.com.