Mason Applauds Vote-by-Mail Expansion

GURNEE, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is sharing her support for Senate Bill 1863, a measure that increases access to mail-in ballots for this year’s general election. The legislation was drafted in anticipation of a potential spike in COVID-19 cases this fall that could impede residents’ ability to safely vote in person.

“I’m thankful we’ve made it past our initial peak in coronavirus infections, but we must prepare for the possibility that we’ll experience another outbreak later this year,” Mason said. “In addition to improving our testing and tracing strategies to combat COVID-19 directly, it’s critical that we also have a well thought out plan in place to protect the upcoming election. The ability to freely and fairly cast a ballot is a vital part of our democracy, and we cannot allow COVID-19 to stand in the way of that.”

Senate Bill 1863 requires mail-in ballot applications to be provided to all residents who have voted in an Illinois election in the previous two years. Additionally, the measure permits local election officials to reserve certain polling place hours for residents who are more vulnerable to COVID-19. 

“Senate Bill 1863 takes much-needed action to defend our voting rights in the face of an unfamiliar threat,” Mason said. “While we’ve made great progress in combatting the coronavirus over the past several months, it’s vital to remember we have not yet reached the end of this crisis. Until then, I’ll continue advocating for policy measures and public health initiatives that will keep our residents’ health and rights better protected from COVID-19.”