Slaughter-Backed Measure to Expand Access to Voting Signed into Law

CHICAGO – To protect and expand access to voting, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, recently supported a measure that will expand the state’s vote-by-mail program and allow for additional alternative options to in-person voting during the upcoming November election.

“In addition to harming our nation’s economy and public health, COVID-19 also threatens our democracy by potentially hampering the ability to vote in-person,” said Slaughter. “The right for Illinois voters to make their voices heard should not be put at risk because of the pandemic, and providing alternative options to in-person voting helps ensure that every voter can safely do so.”

The Slaughter-supported Senate Bill 1863 expands the state’s vote-by-mail program by automatically sending mail-in ballot applications to voters who participated in 2018, 2019 and 2020 elections. The measure will also increase the hours of operation for early voting and allow local election authorities to provide “curbside” voting options as well as special voting hours for seniors. The legislation was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“While President Trump twiddles his thumbs and refuses to lead, I am grateful for the leadership Governor Pritzker has demonstrated during this crisis to help protect our state’s public health and elections,” said Slaughter. “We must continue to take all necessary precautions to protect our communities from the spread of COVID-19, and that includes protecting the right to vote safely.”