On Tuesday May 2, 2023, Tell Legislators to Support SB 282, SCA 1

Fact sheet on Polling Place Accessibility

Currently, Illinois voters with print disabilities (which includes people who are blind, low vision, have physical dexterity limitations or cognitive or learning disabilities) can receive, mark, and verify their vote by mail ballots electronically, using their own assistive technology.  However, they are required to print, sign, and return a paper ballot to their local election authority.  This requirement forces them to rely on assistance from a person without disabilities to complete and submit their ballots which, contrary to Title II of the ADA, deprives them of the right to vote privately and independently.

To close this accessibility gap, voters with print disabilities must be able to return their vote by mail ballots electronically without relying on help from anyone else.  SB 282, SCA 1 would allow voters with print disabilities as well as military service members, their families and citizens living overseas to return their vote by mail ballots electronically, beginning with the 2024 Primary Election.  The Illinois General Assembly is working on a large elections bill (called an “omnibus” bill) that will include provisions regarding various elections topics.  To give voters with print disabilities an opportunity to vote that is truly equal to voters without disabilities, it is critical that the language of SB 282, SCA 1 be included in the omnibus bill. Help us make private, independent voting for people with disabilities a reality by calling these legislators today!  A fact sheet in support of SB 282, SCA 1 is attached.

ON TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2023, PLEASE CALL THESE LEGISLATORS TO URGE THEM TO SUPPORT AND INCLUDE SB 282, SCA 1 IN THE OMNIBUS ELECTIONS BILL:

HOUSE

Rep. Chris Welch (Speaker of the House)—217-782-5350
Rep. Robyn Gabel (Majority Leader)—217-782-8052
Rep. Kelly Burke (Assistant Majority Leader)—217-782-0515
Rep. Maurice West—217-782-3167
Rep. Katie Stuart—217-782-8018

SENATE

Sen. Don Harmon (Senate President)—217-782-8176
Sen. Kimberly Lightford (Majority Leader)—217-782-8505

PLEASE ALSO CALL THE LEGISLATORS BELOW IF THEY ARE YOUR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OR SENATOR.  BE SURE TO TELL THEM YOU ARE ONE OF THEIR CONSTITUENTS WHEN YOU CALL!

House

Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth—217-782-3186
Rep, Mary Flowers—217-782-4207
Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez—217-782-8173
Rep. Jay Hoffman—217-782-0104
Rep. Natalie Manley—217-782-3316
Rep. Kam Buckner—217-782-2023
Rep. Aaron Ortiz—217-782-1117
Rep, Barbara Hernandez—217-558-1002
Rep. Marcus Evans—217-782-8272
Rep. Robert Rita—217-558-1000

Senate

Sen. Bill Cunningham—217-782-5145
Sen. Mattie Hunter—217-782-5966|
Sen. Linda Holmes—217-782-0422
Sen. Laura Murphy—217-782-3875
Sen. David Koehler—217-782-8250
Sen. Napoleon Harris—217-782-8066
Sen. Cristina Castro—217-782-7746
Sen. Elgie Sims—217-782-3201

For more information, please contact:

Cheryl Jansen
Public Policy Director
Equip for Equality
cherylj2@equipforequality.org