Stuart Leads Initiative for Permanent Increase in Voting Accessibility

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – To codify pandemic-related voting expansions, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, recently introduced an initiative that would increase access to voting by allowing for the use of ballot drop boxes and curbside voting in future elections.

“During the pandemic and the November 2020 election, an expansion of vote-by-mail, including the use of drop boxes and curbside voting, helped residents stay safe while exercising their right to vote,” said Stuart. “I am working to make these updates a permanent part of our voting process because local election officials found these measures to be effective in helping residents stay safe while voting.”

Stuart recently introduced House Bill 1871 to codify accessibility measures put in place for the November 2020 election that increased opportunities for residents to vote by mail and established curbside voting. Stuart’s bill would allow election authorities to establish secure drop boxes for voters to submit their absentee ballots, as well as permanent curbside voting options.  

“Permanently instituting drop boxes and curbside voting for future elections will make it easier for seniors and disabled residents to vote, as well as allow residents to protect themselves from exposure to illnesses while voting,” continued Stuart. “These measures will increase voter participation by giving eligible voters more options for making their voices heard.”