Lake County Gazette

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed into law a bill introduced by Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) that will allow election managers to set up permanent drop boxes for vote-by-mail ballot submissions. The drop boxes would accept mailed ballots even if they don’t have sufficient postage, and promote safer, more effective ballot deliveries.

 "Today is a monumental day for voters across the state who have long expressed a desire for greater access to their right to vote,” Morrison wrote in a Facebook post. “The November 2020 election proved the need — and want — for voting expansion measures, and I applaud my colleagues and the governor for their support.”

House Bill 1871, was signed last week following Morrison’s ability to expand the state’s vote-by-mail system last year. The curbside voting measure will not only facilitate the process for individuals with disabilities who don’t have proper access to polling locations, but it will also allow citizens to cast ballots during early an voting period or on Election day.

“We saw during the November 2020 General Election how many people enjoyed having a more safe, accessible and easier way to vote,” Morrison said. “Just because the pandemic is winding down, doesn’t mean expanded voters’ rights have to. Let’s keep fighting for more inclusive and secure elections.”

Before the bill was signed, residents grew concerned about potential document losses, insufficient postage, and late delivery. Election authorities voiced the unsettling worries among the public, but were limited from improving the system after Morrison’s previous legislation suggesting drop boxes expired last year. 

“Every person in this state deserves equal access to their constitutional right to vote,” Morrison said. “Drop boxes and curbside voting will allow everyone the same opportunity to have their voice heard.”