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 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. 

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. 

DEERFIELD — Illinoisans across the state will receive an application in their mailbox to vote from the comfort and safety of their home, thanks to a measure spearheaded by State Senator Julie Morrison.

“If you’re eligible to vote, you should be able to do so safely and securely. No one should have to worry about jeopardizing their health to practice their civic duty,” Morrison said. “It is vital that no eligible voter — regardless of age or health — end up disenfranchised by the current health crisis.”

Morrison (D-Lake Forest) successfully passed an elections package which, among other things, expands the state’s vote by mail program for the November 2020 election, amid concerns COVID-19 could discourage people from visiting the polls.

Any person who has voted in the past two years —in the 2018 General Election, 2019 Consolidated Election or 2020 Primary Election — will receive an application for a vote-by-mail ballot in their mailbox for the 2020 General Election.

People who registered to vote after the 2020 Primary Election will also receive an application.

Election authorities are expected to mail out applications no later than Aug. 1, so people can expect their applications in early August. They can also expect to receive periodic reminders form the secretary of state’s office to submit their application.

However, people who aren’t automatically sent an application will still have the chance to apply for a ballot via the State Board of Elections’ website.

“More voters will be able to participate in a very important aspect of their citizenry — their right to vote — because we have a plan in place to allow them to do so safely,” Morrison said. “We must be prepared, because we don’t know how safe it will be for people to be this fall.”

This does not preclude in-person voting opportunities on and before Election Day.

The measure also makes Election Day, November 3, a state holiday.

Senate Bill 1863 was signed by Gov. JB Pritzker Tuesday and took immediate effect.

SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to efforts from State Senator Julie Morrison, Illinoisans will have a more accessible way to cast their ballots from the safety of their homes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, standing in line to vote isn’t safe for many, specifically older populations and those at higher health risks. 

“COVID-19 has made congregating in small and enclosed spaces more dangerous,” Morrison said. “Long lines to get to the ballot box would require people to choose between their health and their right to vote.”

Morrison (D-Lake Forest) successfully passed an elections package — found in Senate Bill 1863 — which, among other things, will expand the state’s vote by mail program for the November election.

Any person who has voted in the past two years — either in the 2018 General Election, 2019 Consolidated Election or 2020 Primary Election — will receive an application for a vote-by-mail ballot in their mailbox.

People who registered to vote after the 2020 Primary Election will also receive an application.

Under the measure, people who aren’t automatically sent an application will still have the chance to apply for a ballot via the State Board of Elections’ website. Applications will open the day the law takes effect.

This does not preclude in-person voting opportunities on and before Election Day.

“Vote by mail is essential for voters to stay safe while exercising their right to vote,” Morrison said. “I’ve heard from people all over the state who were concerned about their health during the November election, and I hope expanded vote by mail will put them at ease.”

The measure awaits the signature of Gov. JB Pritzker — who has been a steadfast supporter of vote by mail legislation.