Mussman Supports Initiative to Expand Vote by Mail Amid COVID-19 Crisis

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As health concerns arise surrounding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) health crisis, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, recently supported an expanded vote by mail program to help ensure safe access to voting in the upcoming November general election.

“As our state continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the truth is we do not know what our world will look like in a few months,” said Mussman. “Expanding the opportunity to vote by mail will help increase and secure safe voter participation in the upcoming election.”

Mussman recently supported Senate Bill 1863, an initiative that was pushed by the Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus to help safely protect voters participating in the November 2020 election. Under the Mussman-backed bill, many registered Illinois voters will automatically be sent vote by mail applications. It will make Election Day 2020 a state holiday for schools and universities, locations that commonly serve as polling places, to help promote social distancing and increase the ability of young people to participate as election judges in place of higher risk retirees who often fill those roles.

“With so much uncertainty in our future, this legislation is a proactive step to help ensure our protection from COVID-19 when voting on Election Day,” continued Mussman. “This initiative will ensure no resident has to choose between their health and exercising their right to vote.”

Mussman represents the 56th District, which contains portions of Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Roselle, Rolling Meadows and Palatine.