West Cook News

A new voting bill that would allow for the permanent use of voting drop-off boxes and curbside voting in all future elections is under review by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, to improve voter accessibility for all.

Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) publicly announced his support of the bill in a Facebook post. 

"I am proud that Illinois distinguished itself from those states seeking to restrict voting access and instead passed legislation making it easier for everyone to participate in this vital aspect of our democracy. Our state is stronger when all citizens have the opportunity to make their voices heard," he said. 

Supporters say by providing secure drop-off locations and the option for voters to vote from their vehicles, more people would have access to their right to vote, particularly those with disabilities.  

“This is one more step to ensure people can safely exercise their right to vote,” said the bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) to the Chicago Sun Times.  “I will continue to fight to make it easier for voters’ voices to be heard — especially at a time when so many are relying on their elected officials for help," she said. 

To make accessible voting a reality, there needs to be an approved amendment to continue to legally allow these practices that were originally implemented to accommodate individuals affected by and at-risk to contracting COVID-19. 

“A lot of election jurisdictions that had used drop-boxes in the general election in November intended to use them again for April,” said Matt Dietrich, spokesman for the Illinois State Board of Elections in a statement. “The language was no longer there to authorize [drop-boxes], but there was nothing in the existing election code that prohibited their use. So it was important that the election code be amended to have explicit permission to use drop-boxes.”

The bill has already been passed through both chambers and is awaiting a decision from the governor.