Every State, Every Vote: Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker Expands Access to Vote-by-Mail and Ensures Fair, Safe Elections

On Tuesday, Democratic Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation to expand vote-by-mail and promote safe participation in the 2020 general election. The new law requires election officials to send vote-by-mail applications to all recent voters in Illinois. 
The bill also gives local officials the power to implement social distancing policies at in-person polling stations to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on election day. These measures include allowing curbside voting and establishing early voting hours for at-risk populations.
Read more about Gov. Pritzker’s executive order below and learn how Democratic governors are fighting to expand access to the ballot box at EveryStateEveryVote.com.
Chicago Tribune: 5 million Illinois voters to receive mail-in ballot applications after Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs temporary vote-by-mail expansion
Roughly 5 million Illinois voters will receive applications to vote by mail for the November election as a result of legislation Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Tuesday aimed at encouraging mail-in voting amid the ongoing pandemic.
The measure, approved by the General Assembly in its brief special session last month, applies only to the Nov. 3 general election. The new law also makes Nov. 3 a government and school holiday to allow empty schools to be used as polling places as a safety precaution for students and teachers.
[…]
NBC Chicago: Massive Expansion of Vote-by-Mail Approved in Illinois
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday approved a massive expansion in voting by mail, a plan derided by Republicans nationally.
The Democrat said allowing voters to mail in ballots for the November presidential election would limit polling place crowds and COVID-19 transmission.
[…]
The Daily Herald: Pritzker signs vote-by-mail expansion, declares Election Day a state holiday
Anyone who cast a ballot in the last three years or who registered to vote or changed addresses after the March primary will be sent an application to vote by mail in the Nov. 3 election.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill expanding the program Tuesday. In a news release, Pritzker’s office said the program is aimed at ensuring “safe and active participation in the 2020 general election during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”
[…]
The State Journal-Register: Pritzker signs expanded vote by mail bill
Illinois voters will have more chances to cast their ballots by mail this fall under legislation signed into law Tuesday by Gov. JB Pritzker.
Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1863 and House Bill 2238 which together make a number of changes to election law this year. Their purpose is to make voting easier while the coronavirus pandemic remains a threat.
[…]
WTTW: Governor Signs Bill to Expand Vote-By-Mail Amid Pandemic
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a measure into law Tuesday that is designed to considerably expand the number of Illinois voters who cast their ballot in the 2020 presidential election by mail.
The bill requires election authorities to send vote-by-mail applications for the Nov. 3 general election to the 5 million voters who participated in the 2018 general election, the 2019 municipal elections or the March 2020 primary.
[…]