Illinois General Assembly Pushes For Voting Programs In Jail

SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Illinois General Assembly has approved a plan that would make sure people in jail are able to exercise their right to vote. According to Peoria Public Radio, several counties have programs aimed at reminding those in jail they can vote, while other counties would have to help counties vote by mail.

Peoria Public Radio reports Khadine Bennett, director of advocacy and intergovernmental affairs with the ACLU of Illinois, said the bipartisan measure would have the State Board of Elections create “know your rights” pamphlets for the formerly incarcerated since many don’t know their right to vote is reinstated upon release. However, it would be up to the Department of Corrections to distribute them.

Despite opposition, the plan was passed 38 to 17 in the Senate and 64 to 37 in the House. If signed, the law would go into effect until the 2020 elections.

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