This Fourth of July, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed a new bill into law that will make the democratic process more accessible to the state's residents, especially in terms of voting and the bureaucratic process, by simplifying the state's election code.
Quinn signed Senate Bill 1586 Monday. The legislation outlines three major reforms, including lowering the petition signature requirement for beginning referenda to 8 percent of the gubernatorial vote, which will ultimately make petition approval easier and also make it less likely that petitions will be thrown out or rejected based on a technicality, as well as giving more authority to local school boards over their own advisory referendum.
In addition, the Associated Press reports the bill includes a provision that military members serving overseas can now have ballots emailed to them for Illinois and federal elections, making the elections more accessible to servicemembers. Election officials are now required to send out these ballots at least 46 days before a federal election. Traditionally, Illinois has had limited ballot access, but the new law details major changes to this.
"On the very day we celebrate our democracy, I am enacting a bill that will put more power in the hands of the people of Illinois," Quinn said. "By giving voters more authority at the ballot box, they will have a better opportunity to hold elected officials accountable and we will continue to create a more vibrant democracy in our state."
According to WGN News, the governor spoke in Des Plaines, a suburb of Chicago adjacent to O'Hare Airport, shortly before making his way through the town's Independence Day parade. Quinn also took the time to shake hands with citizens and veterans attending the town event.
While speaking to Des Plaines residents before the parade, Quinn emphasized the importance of making the democratic process more accessible to all citizens across the state.
"Whether you're in Des Plaines, or whether you're in Cook County, or whether you're in the state of Illinois, or anywhere in our country, participation in elections is the fundamental act of citizenship," the governor said. "Democracy is not a spectator sport."
Senate Bill 1586, which officially takes effect Jan. 1, was sponsored by Sen. Don Harmon and Rep. Michael J. Zalewski and was originally filed on Feb. 2 of this year. The bill passed in both the Illinois Senate and the House of Representatives and was sent to the governor June 22.
Rachel Bogart provides an in-depth look at current environmental issues and local Chicago news stories. As a college student from the Chicago suburbs pursuing two science degrees, she applies her knowledge and passion to both topics to garner further public awareness.
