Does Illinois have a Voters' Bill of Rights?
Yes!
The letters and numbers after each of your rights listed below are codes that tell lawyers and poll-workers where to find the actual Illinois statute that protects your right to vote. These rights are guaranteed to properly registered and qualified voters. You have the right to bring this bill of rights with you into your polling place.
- You have the right to vote, if you are in line when the polls close at 7pm, or at any other time between 6 am and 7 pm. 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. §§ 5/17-1 and 5/17-2; Mark Petrone, Illinois State Board of Elections
- You have the right to receive a replacement voter registration card, if you lose or damage your card. 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. § 5/4-19
- If a physical disability prevents you from entering the polling area and you make a special request the day before the election, you have the right to have the ballot delivered to you up to 50 feet away from the polling place entrance. § 5/17-13(b)
- If you cannot read or write, or are disabled, you have the right to receive assistance from any person other than your employer, an agent of your employer or an officer or agent of your union. § 5/17-14
- If you have moved within the same precinct or you have changed your name within 28 days of the election, you have the right to vote after signing an affidavit. § 5/4-16
- If you have moved to a different election district or precinct within the state within 30 days of the election, you have the right to vote in your new polling place. §§ 5/3-1 and 5/17-10
- If you make a mistake or "spoil" your ballot, and have not cast the ballot, you have the right to receive a replacement ballot. § 5/17-11
- No one is allowed to try to influence your vote within 100 feet of the polling place. § 5/17-29
- If you have been convicted of a crime, but have served your sentence including any probation or parole, and you have registered to vote since that time, you have the right to vote. § 5/3-5; Civil Rights Division, U.S. Dept. of Justice, "Restoring Your Right to Vote, Illinois," (Dec. 2000)
