Governor Signs Law Excusing Students from School to Vote

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation allowing students to be excused from school for two hours to vote in a primary, general, special or any election.

Students can be excused on a day when early voting is offered, or on the day of the election. Under the legislation, the school may specify the hours in which students may be excused.

Students from Thornton Fractional North High School and Thornton Fractional South High School took the idea to St. Sen. Elgie Sims, who worked with the General Assembly and St. Rep. Nick Smith to pass the law.

Senate Bill 1970 takes effect June 1, 2020.