Given the likelihood of social distancing continuing into the fall, the legislature approved an expansion of the state’s vote by mail system for the upcoming General Election.
In prior elections, each voter had to contact their local election authority to get a vote by mail application and each county’s application process was different.
Under the new legislation, local election authorities will automatically send vote by mail applications to certain voters and a universal vote by mail application will be available on
the Illinois State Board of Elections website. Expanding the vote by mail system in Illinois will help ensure voter participation in the November election. Five states already conduct their elections entirely by mail and there is no evidence it leads to election fraud.
The upcoming election is important for so many reasons, including the critical need to pass the Fair Tax and elect a new president. The IFT encourages members to vote by mail or vote early, both to stay safe by avoiding crowded polling places and to avoid any unforeseen event that may interfere with your ability to cast a ballot.
New Changes for the November 3 General Election
Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, will be a state holiday for government offices,
K-12 schools and university civil servants.
Vote by Mail applications
By August 1, election authorities will mail or email a vote-by-mail application to any voter who cast a ballot in the 2018, 2019, or 2020 primary election
Applications will also be sent to any voter who registered or changed their address after the March 2020 primary
By September 15, the Secretary of State will send eminder notices to voters who received an application but haven’t yet returned it
Those registering to vote for the first time can request a mail ballot at the time they register
Voting in person
Voters will still be able to vote in person
Election authorities may provide a curbside voting option
Early voting
Voters will still be able to vote early in person
For the 15 days prior to Election Day, permanent early voting locations will be open from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekends and holidays