SPRINGFIELD – To ensure safe participation in the upcoming election, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) voted to expand voting options for Illinoisans.

“Because we are unsure of what further consequences we could be facing this fall as we continue managing the fallout of the COVID-19 crisis, we ought to offer folks more options as they consider how to cast their ballot,” Koehler said. “The promotion of safe, secure elections should not be a partisan issue.”

Under this legislation any person who has voted in the past two years — in the 2018 General Election, 2019 Consolidated Election or 2020 Primary Election — would receive an application for a vote-by-mail ballot in their mailbox. It can then be filled out and mailed to your election commission, or there will be instructions for making the request electronically. Voters will retain the choice to vote in person via early voting or on Election Day, which would be a state holiday for 2020.

“Polling places will still be open for in-person voting, so if you feel safe going to the polls, then you have that right,” Koehler said. “Our goal is to encourage safe participation in the election, and this is a path forward that takes public safety and health into account.”

This legislation now awaits the governor’s signature.