Voting by mail permanently an option for Illinois voters

August 20, 2022 19

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois officials are making access to voting more accessible leading up to the 2022 midterm election in November.

Election officials are hoping this program will increase voter participation, not only in November but also in future elections.

People currently registered to vote in Illinois will now have an option to vote by mail on a permanent basis. The permanent application process is open and currently optional. Applications will be sent to all registered voters soon.

Illinois vote by mail — SKYELAR/ADOBE STOCK PHOTO

“Voting by mail has certainly become much more popular by offering a qualified, registered voter an opportunity to be able to enroll once and always receive your ballot,” said Sangamon County Clerk Don Gray. “It is a huge convenience in which they no longer need to submit an application for each individual election,”

Online registration for permanent mail-in ballots is also available. Registered voters will retain the option to submit a vote-by-mail application without permanent registration.

“It helps the voters in the most convenient way possible,” said Matt Dietrich, a representative of the Illinois State Board of Elections. “You do not even have to leave your own home.”

Illinois voters to receive applications in late September

Applications for voting by mail will go out beginning September 29, which is the first day of early voting. Ballot mailings must have a postmark by the day of the election, November 8. The local election authority should receive the ballot by mail no later than 14 days after the election.

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Jake Leonard

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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.