Morrison fights for safer way to vote by mail

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) – who championed the state’s comprehensive vote-by-mail law last spring – is fighting for additional safe ways for voters to cast their ballots.

“A record number of Illinoisans voted by mail in November. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we must continue to give people an option to safely cast their ballots during local government primary elections this spring,” Morrison said. “One way we can provide another safe option is through secure drop boxes. It will give people peace of mind to know their ballots have arrived on time and are secure.”

One of every three votes cast during the November 2020 General Election was cast via a mail ballot – but many of those were hand-delivered to drop boxes. Morrison heard concerns from some voters who weren’t comfortable with mailing their ballot. They wondered if it would be delivered on time, if it would be lost in the mail and if it needed stamps – among other concerns.

Those issues led Morrison to sponsor House Bill 3994, which would allow election authorities to establish permanent ballot drop boxes to accept vote-by-mail ballots. Election authorities would be able to receive reimbursement through the federal Help America Vote Act to pay for the boxes.

“All people should have be able to safely and securely exercise their right to vote,” Morrison said. “Creating permanent drop boxes would create convenient options for both voters and election authorities.”

The measure was presented to the Senate Executive Committee Sunday. It was introduced this week for intended action during the last days of the 101^st General Assembly, so it can be implemented by the spring municipal election.

Morrison is also working with her colleagues to pass a comprehensive election bill this spring, which would include permanent expansion of last year’s vote-by-mail law. 

Morrison condemns acts in nation’s capital

HIGHWOOD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement in response to recent and current events happening in our nation’s capital:

“The reported rhetoric spewed by newly-sworn in Illinois Congresswoman Mary Miller is disgraceful and must be condemned by all people – regardless of political party, race or religion. Every person with a moral conscience should be offended by anyone quoting Adolf Hitler and should vilify these statements.

“Moreover, as we watch the violent and shameful acts in Washington, D.C. unfold, I urge everyone to practice peace, engage in civil discourse and hope for a better tomorrow. There is room for peaceful protest – there is not room for violent treason.”  

Morrison: Register to find out when the COVID-19 vaccine is available

HIGHWOOD —As the COVID-19 vaccine starts to make its way to Illinois, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is encouraging Lake County Residents to register to be notified when the vaccine is available. 

“The health and safety of Lake County residents is the No. 1 priority,” Morrison said. “I’m pleased a vaccination plan is being spearheaded by our local health department and being lead by experts and scientists.”

The Lake County Health Department announced the creation of the Lake County AllVax Portal Wednesday — which allows Lake County residents to register to be notified when a COVID-19 vaccine is available to them. 

Registration is quick and easy, simply requiring residents to enter basic information and answer a few screening questions. Once registered, people will be notified when the vaccine is available and given the chance to schedule their vaccination appointments through the Lake County clinics and other facilities. The portal also includes answers to frequently asked questions on COVID-19 vaccination.

Initial vaccine supply will be limited, so groups of people who are at higher risk — either due to their wellbeing or job — will be the first people eligible for the vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is helping state and local health departments distribute the vaccine fairly. 

“The portal — and eventually distribution of the vaccine — will help us protect our communities and begin to return to normalcy,” Morrison said. “Do your part for the community and register today.” 

To register, people can visit AllVax.lakecohealth.org or call the Lake County Health Department at 847-377-8130.

Morrison: Fix the FOID will save lives, end backlog

HIGHWOOD — As other members of the General Assembly raise concerns about the FOID card backlog and outline a Second Amendment agenda, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is encouraging her colleagues to support the final push for her comprehensive firearms measure. 

“Fix the FOID is not anti-gun — it simply ensures guns are not possessed by people who should not legally have them,” Morrison said. “Fingerprinting everyone who applies for a card will help raise red flags if that person has a violent criminal history that should keep them from having a firearm.”

Senate Bill 1966 would make key changes to Illinois’ current FOID system, requiring background checks for all gun sales, requiring applicants to submit their fingerprints, requiring FOID renewals every five years instead of 10, and creating a task force within the Illinois State Police to prioritize FOID card revocations when there is clear and present danger.

It would also increase the FOID application and renewal fee from $10 to $50. However, that funding would also go to the state police to help them do their job of processing and administering FOID cards, which would help with backlogged requests. 

Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrison was confident it would soon be on its way to the governor’s office, as it just needed final approval from the Senate.

The measure was brought to life in response to the February 2019 shooting at the Henry Pratt building in Aurora. The shooter had received a FOID card in January 2014, after lying about a conviction that would have caused him to fail the background check. 

Illinois State Police Director Brenden Kelly said in February that the fingerprinting aspect of the measure could have prevented the tragedy. 

“I firmly believe we have developed the framework that would keep guns out of the hands of people we know would present a risk to themselves or others,” Morrison said. “I hope to see this measure cross the finish line next month, so we can finally close to the loopholes in gun laws.”

Morrison has requested the measure be brought up during the Senate’s anticipated January lame-duck session.