VOTING RIGHTS EXPANSION ADVANCED BY SENATOR AQUINO
05/29/2019
SPRINGFIELD – A measure that would safeguard the voting rights of incarcerated individuals awaiting trial introduced by State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) passed the House this week.
“Participating in our democracy is a fundamental right of all citizens,” said Aquino. “Even though we are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, too many people are systematically denied that right because of incarceration. I want to guarantee that every person in Illinois who is eligible to vote has the equal chance to voice their concerns on the ballot.”
Under the Illinois Election Code, those in jail awaiting trial and who have not been convicted of a crime are still eligible to vote. Senate Bill 2090 would require each election authority in a county to work with the county jail to provide an opportunity to vote by mail for those individuals.
Senate Bill 2090 awaits the governor’s signature to become law.
“Participating in our democracy is a fundamental right of all citizens,” said Aquino. “Even though we are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, too many people are systematically denied that right because of incarceration. I want to guarantee that every person in Illinois who is eligible to vote has the equal chance to voice their concerns on the ballot.”
Under the Illinois Election Code, those in jail awaiting trial and who have not been convicted of a crime are still eligible to vote. Senate Bill 2090 would require each election authority in a county to work with the county jail to provide an opportunity to vote by mail for those individuals.
Senate Bill 2090 awaits the governor’s signature to become law.
