|
 “In the face of a pandemic, massive economic
upheaval, and renewed calls for racial justice, it’s more important
than ever that Illinoisans can hold accountable a truly
representative and transparent government – and that means ensuring
all eligible residents can wield their right to vote in a way that
doesn’t risk their personal health,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
“Sending vote by mail applications to residents who have
participated in recent elections will allow more people to exercise
that right from the safety of their own homes and help reduce the
spread of COVID-19 in our communities. I applaud Leader Kelly Burke,
Senator Julie Morrison, the House Democratic Women’s Caucus and
leaders in the General Assembly for working to ensure Illinoisans
can continue to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming general
election.”
In anticipation of the continued need for social distancing measures
to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, vote by mail may be the safest
method to cast a ballot in November.
Under the new law, local election offices must mail or email vote by
mail ballot applications and the VBM timeline to voters who cast a
ballot in the 2018 general election, the 2019 consolidated election
or the 2020 general primary election, including voters who
registered or changed addresses after the primary election. Voters
who submit their application for a VBM ballot by October 1 will
receive their VBM ballot by October 6.
The legislation requires the Illinois State Board of Elections (ISBE)
to:
Post an application for a vote by mail ballot on its website;
Modify the online voter registration system to allow a new
registrant to apply for a VBM ballot when completing the online
registration;
Provide notice to each election authority about what it must do to
comply with the new law and;
Adopt emergency rules to provide reimbursement for expenses related
to the 2020 general election incurred as a result of COVID-19 and
the new requirements.
To improve the signature verification process, the legislation
raises the standard for rejecting a VBM ballot. The election
authority will be required to appoint a bipartisan panel of three
election judges to verify voters’ signature and the validity of the
ballot. Currently, only a single election judge makes this
determination.
In an effort to prevent overcrowding at the polls on election day,
expanding early voting hours will help ensure election authorities
are able to comply with the Illinois Department of Health (IDPH)
safety and health guidance. Permanent branch polling places are
required to be open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 9
a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends and holidays. The legislation permits
the use of curb-side voting, in which voters can fill out the ballot
outside of the polling place. The bill also authorizes election
authorities to establish additional early voting hours for voters
whom COVID-19 presents increased health risks.
To further promote safety on election day, the legislation requires
local election authorities to establish a central voting site where
anyone who lives in the jurisdiction can vote, regardless of their
precinct. Additionally, the bill makes election day a holiday for
all government offices, except election authorities, k-12 schools,
and post-secondary institutions governed by the State Universities
Civil Service Act. The state has already established election day as
a holiday for state employees.
The trailer bill, HB 2238, would require collection boxes to be
locked and opened only by election authorities. It also requires
ISBE to establish additional guidelines for the security of these
sites.
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“On behalf of our 1.7 million members, AARP IL
commends Gov. Pritzker for ensuring that all eligible voters can
cast their ballots safely,” said Bob Gallo, State Director for AARP
Illinois. “The bill signed today offers innovative solutions and
timely measures that allows older Illinois residents to choose the
option that best keeps them safe and healthy during this
unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Ensuring voters in Illinois can safely participate in elections is
a cornerstone of our Democracy,” said Gretchen DeJaynes, Chair of
the Illinois Association of County Clerks and Recorders Legislative
Committee. “Expanding vote by mail will allow more people to vote
safely and county clerks and election authorities across the state
are working to implement this important legislation.”
“With our current public health situation, many
people feel uncertain about the prospect of having to vote in
person,” said Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), Assistant Majority
Leader and Senate Democratic Women’s Caucus Chairwoman. “We just
marked the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote,
which boosted participation in elections. Now if we can provide
safety and comfort to anyone with an at-risk condition to be able to
vote by mail, it will be another step forward in increasing voter
turnout so everyone can make their voice heard.”
“The COVID 19 pandemic has created many challenges, but
participation in the November election should not be one of them,”
said Rep. Kelly Burke (D-Evergreen Park), Assistant Majority Leader.
“Just as we have taken precautions to make shopping, traveling, and
other everyday tasks safer, we must also take precautions and make
adjustments to ensure everyone can safely exercise their right to
vote.”
“The state and nation are facing unprecedented threats to fair and
open elections and the Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus is
committed to protecting the voting rights of all Americans,” said
Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park), House Democratic Women’s Caucus
Chairwoman. “I'd like to thank Governor Pritzker for signing this
legislation today to ensure everyone in Illinois has fair access to
their right to vote.”
“If you’re eligible to vote, you should be able to do so safely and
securely. No one should have to worry about jeopardizing their
health to practice their civil duty,” said Sen. Julie Morrison
(D-Deerfield). “It is vital that no eligible voter — regardless of
age or health — end up disenfranchised by the current health crisis.
More voters will be able to participate in a very important aspect
of their citizenry — their right to vote — because we have a plan in
place to allow them to do so safely. We must be prepared, because we
don’t know how safe it will be for people to be this fall.”
“As a member of the Elections Workgroup, I would like to thank the
Governor for his commitment to strengthening the integrity of our
election system in Illinois,” said Rep. LaToya Greenwood (D-East St.
Louis). “This legislation will create broader access to voting and
enhance participation for everyone in the electoral process.”
“With the uncertainty the COVID-19 pandemic brings, the Illinois
House Democratic Women’s Caucus wanted to make sure people are able
to vote, without risking their health to do so,” said Rep. Katie
Stuart (D- Edwardsville). “I worked with members from across the
state to come up with a plan to both educate voters about and
streamline the vote by mail process. On behalf of myself and my
colleagues, I thank Governor Pritzker for signing the important
legislation.”
The new laws take effect immediately.
[Office of the Governor JB Pritzker] |
