This Election Day will officially be a holiday in Illinois.
A bill signed Tuesday by Governor Pritzker made a variety of changes to this year’s Election, including the Holiday status that will allow for all government offices, except election authorities, k-12 schools, and post-secondary institutions governed by the State Universities Civil Service Act. The state has already established election day as a holiday for state employees.
Other changes included establishing early voting hours for voters on Election Day and allowing for the use of curb-side voting, meaning voters can fill out a ballot outside of a polling place. The changes were designed in wake of COVID-19 and the increased health risks surrounding this year’s election.
“On behalf of our 1.7 million members, AARP IL commends Gov. Pritzker for ensuring that all eligible voters can cast their ballots safely,” said Bob Gallo, State Director for AARP Illinois. “The bill signed today offers innovative solutions and timely measures that allows older Illinois residents to choose the option that best keeps them safe and healthy during this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Ensuring voters in Illinois can safely participate in elections is a cornerstone of our Democracy,” said Gretchen DeJaynes, Chair of the Illinois Association of County Clerks and Recorders Legislative Committee. “Expanding vote by mail will allow more people to vote safely and county clerks and election authorities across the state are working to implement this important legislation.”
