Yang Rohr Backs Measure to Expand Voter Access, Improve Election Security

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – To ensure that all voters can make their voices heard, state Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, recently passed a robust elections reform package to make voting more accessible in Illinois.

“It is extremely important that our state law ensures every eligible voter can participate in elections safely and securely, and without hassle,” said Yang Rohr. “During my first legislative session, I was proud to have helped pass a bipartisan bill that includes commonsense measures, like increasing the use of vote-by-mail, expanding opportunities for more centrally located polling locations in communities, and improving election security so that every vote is safety counted.”

Yang Rohr supported Senate Bill 825, which expands voter access law by requiring election authorities to strengthen cybersecurity measures. It also creates an optional but permanent vote-by-mail list where voters can declare their intent to vote by mail if they meet certain requirements. To address low-voter turnout among young people, this measure allows for voter registration efforts on high school premises and provides voter application information to students so they can register to vote as soon as they are eligible. Additionally, Senate Bill 825 makes General Election Day 2022 a state holiday, ensuring adequate polling locations around the state on November 8, 2022.

“With voting rights under attack in other states, we have to really examine how we are handling our elections and find areas where we can improve accessibility to voters and increase participation,” said Yang Rohr. “Everyone should have the opportunity to have their voices heard, and this elections reform bill ensures we are keeping Illinois as a steadfast leader in voting rights for elections to come.”