LaPointe Supports Vote-by-Mail Expansion and Election Protection

CHICAGO – To help protect the health, safety and security of voters during the upcoming election, state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, supported legislation to expand vote-by-mail ballots and provide increased safety protections for the 2020 general election.

“While we continue to work to prevent the spread of the virus, this legislation is a proactive step to protect the integrity of our elections so that voters can safely and securely cast their ballots in November,” LaPointe said. “Ballot access is an integral part of our democracy and this new law will ensure that voters can make their voice heard without exposure to health or safety risks.”

Senate Bill 1863 utilizes approximately $14 million of funding from the federal CARES Act to implement new safety and security measures for the 2020 general election. The bill expands vote-by-mail by automatically sending applications to voters who participated in the 2018 general election, 2019 consolidated election or 2020 primary election and requires election authorities to implement a secure process for collection of ballots. Additionally, election authorities have the ability to increase early voting hours, offer curbside voting and provide special senior voting hours. The bill also makes Election Day a state holiday this year.

“Vote-by-mail is a safe and convenient way to participate in our electoral process and I encourage voters to utilize this option in the November election,” LaPointe said. “I look forward to Gov. Pritzker signing this bill into law so Illinois can remain a leader in ballot access.”