An Illinois Senate bill approved in the House Thursday night would expand voting by mail this fall. People who voted by mail in 2018, 2019, and in this year’s primaries would be sent mail-in voting applications later this year. Evergreen Park Democrat Kelly Burke says it will provide a simpler and safer way to vote during the coronavirus outbreak. The changes would be effective for the November election only.
Rep. Lance Yednock (D-Ottawa) voted for it. Reps. David Welter (R-Morris) and Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) voted no. The bill passed the House 72 to 43. It goes back to the Senate next. An earlier version of the bill came out of the Senate a year ago. The Senate must now vote on the House changes.
The bill would also close schools and government buildings, except for voting purposes, on election day. And it would require school buildings be made available for election authorities to use as polling places. School districts will be allowed to charge fees to cover their costs for that.