Bill Text: IL HB4469 | 2017-2018 | 100th General Assembly | Veto Message
Bill Title: Amends the Election Code. Provides that each election authority shall collaborate with the county jail within the jurisdiction of the election authority to facilitate voting by mail for voters eligible to vote in the county who are confined or detained in the county jail. Provides that in a county with a population of 3,000,000 or more, the election authority in the county shall establish a temporary branch polling place in the county jail. Contains additional provisions concerning the temporary branch polling place in the county jail. Amends the Counties Code. Provides that each election authority shall collaborate with the county jail within the jurisdiction of the election authority to facilitate voter registration for voters eligible to vote in that county who are confined or detained in the county jail. Provides that a county jail shall provide a voter registration application to any person in custody at the jail who requests an application and is eligible to vote. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that upon release of a person who is eligible to vote, the Department of Corrections shall provide the person with a specified form that informs him or her that his or her voting rights have been restored. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections and Counties Code. Provides that upon discharge from a county jail or release from the Department of Corrections, a person shall be provided with a voter registration form. Provides that the Department, each county jail, and each county probation office shall provide an individual in its custody with specified information on voting rights. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2020.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 44-1)
Status: (Vetoed) 2018-11-28 - Bill Dead - No Positive Action Taken - Amendatory Veto [HB4469 Detail]
Download: Illinois-2017-HB4469-Veto_Message.html
August 17, 2018
To the Honorable Members of
The Illinois House of Representatives,
100th General Assembly:
Today, I return House Bill 4469 with specific recommendations for change.
This legislation commendably increases access to voting for individuals detained in county jails through the establishment of polling places and facilitation of vote-by-mail opportunities. Every citizen eligible to vote should be able to exercise that right, and I fully support this expansion of access to the democratic process.
However, this legislation also mandates that the Department of Corrections, as well as county jails across the state, take part in voter registration and education efforts that exceed the legitimate role of law enforcement, corrections and probation personnel.
Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(e) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return House Bill 4469, entitled “AN ACT concerning elections,” with the following recommendation for change:
By deleting page 3, line 5 through page 10, line 21.
With these changes, House Bill 4469 will have my approval. I respectfully request your concurrence.
Sincerely,
Bruce Rauner
GOVERNOR
