illinois election law proposed changes

[mopinko]

i am posting an email that i received from cook county clerk david orr. i am on a list because i am on my local party's executive board, as is he.

Dear Friends,

There are several pieces of legislation which are pending in Springfield
that could have a significant impact on the way elections are conducted
in Illinois.

HB4403 — “Elections Voter Photo ID” — would require voters to show
government-issued photo ID before casting a ballot on Election Day. It
will likely be voted on by the house in the next several weeks. This
would disenfranchise many minority, elderly and poor voters. (See
attached fact sheet.) It is also unnecessary since everyone must prove
their identity and attest to citizenship when they register to vote.
Please ask your legislators to vote against HB4403.

HB2673 — “Elections Tech” — would reestablish straight party voting in
Illinois. Straight party voting was previously available to Illinois
voters, but that option was abolished in 1997.

House Joint Resolution 29 — “Suffrage-Voting Age 17” — would amend the
Illinois constitution to make it possible for 17-year olds to vote in
all elections. I think this is a step in the right direction and will
increase youth participation in elections.

SB2314—“Homebound Absentee— would entitle voters to have a ballot
personally delivered to them if they were admitted to a hospital,
nursing homes or rehab center 14 days before Election Day (up from 5
days); as well as persons released on Election Day or the day prior who
will be homebound and unable to travel to polls.

**MEDIA NOTE** MY OFFICE’S NEW AWARD-WINNING CASHIERING SYSTEM WAS
HIGHLIGHTED IN A RECENT ARTICLE IN THE SUN-TIMES BUSINESS SECTION. TO
READ MORE CLICK ON THIS LINK:

http://www.suntimes.com/business/891682,CST-FIN-ECOL13.article

I will also be appearing with several other county clerks on the cable
show “Word with Willard” to discuss these, and other, important election
issues. Check your local cable listings.


Sincerely,
David Orr
Cook County Clerk


i am not certain how to read the homebound one. is that- you have the right to get the ballot for up to 14 days, or you have to be homebound for 14 days, instead of 5. i emailed to get clarification.

[Wilms]

1. Seems good except for that Photo ID thing and the increase on the number of days from 5 to 14.

My read is that if you are hospitalized 14 days before, you get the service. Formerly, rather currently it's 5 days...much better...if I'm reading it right.

[mopinko]

2. i asked for clarification of that one, cuz

i couldn't really figure out what that meant.