IL Vote-by-Mail Bill Waiting for Gov. Signature

The Illinois Legislature Passed a Bill Expanding Vote-by-Mail for the November 2020 General Election.

The Bill (SB 1863) will:

- Automatically send an Application for a Vote-by-Mail Ballot to Any Voter who has Voted in: the Past Two years, in the 2018 General Election, the 2019 Consolidated Election, or the 2020 Primary Election. Anyone who Registered to Vote after the 2020 Primary will also Receive an Application for a Vote-by-Mail Ballot.

- Declares Election Day, November 3rd, 2020, a State Holiday.

All other Voters will have to wait until August, 5th, 2020, to apply for their Absentee Ballot Application.

Senate President, Don Harmon (D-39th District), released a Statement after the Bill Passed the Senate, saying, "This is an overdue step toward modern convenience and safety in our elections. It's unfortunate it took a global pandemic to convince people of its value, but expanding vote by mail is a needed election reform that I hope voters will utilize."

In-Person Voting will still be Available On and Before Election Day.

The Bill now heads to Governor Pritzker's Desk, where He is Expected to Sign it.

Pritzker Released a Statement on the Bill's Passage Friday afternoon, saying:

"The right to vote is the foundational pillar of our democracy -- and, now, as our elected leaders are making some of the most consequential decisions of our lifetimes, it's more important than ever that people have every ability to make their voices heard. I applaud Leader Kelly Burke, Senator Julie Morrison, the Women’s Caucus and leaders in the General Assembly for working to ensure Illinoisans can continue to exercise their right to vote during these unprecedented times. Sending vote-by-mail applications to residents who have participated in recent elections will allow more people to vote from the safety of their own homes and help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. I look forward to signing this legislation when it reaches my desk and I encourage all eligible voters to exercise their right to vote at every available opportunity.”










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