Governor Signs Voter Legislation Into Law

Governor JB Pritzker Thursday signed SB 825 into law that he says expands access to the ballot box for Illinoisans by increasing access to curbside voting, establishing permanent vote by mail registries, establishing a central polling location in counties across the state, strengthening cybersecurity standards for election authorities in Illinois, and providing viable voting opportunities for justice-impacted individuals. The legislation also establishes June 28, 2022 as the new 2022 general primary election date.

SB 825 grants sheriffs outside of Cook County the ability to establish polling locations at local county jails, a practice already in place in Cook County. Individuals awaiting trial and sentencing who are residents of the community surrounding the county jail will now be permitted to vote at the jail’s polling place.

The legislation follows the administration’s previous actions regarding voting rights in Illinois that include extended hours at permanent polling places, expanding the state’s vote by mail program, and making election day a state holiday.

For more information on voting in Illinois and to confirm your registration status, go to https://www.elections.il.gov/.