SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois could become the next state to adopt universal vote-by-mail. State lawmakers and advocates think this change could improve voting access and relieve stress for election officials.
A proposal in Springfield could allow the state to send vote-by-mail ballots to all eligible voters instead of having people apply to have their ballots sent in the mail. Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) said counties could save money by not having to send notifications and applications for vote-by-mail ballots to voters.
"You've already qualified these electorates, so the second step is not necessary when you are going to send them a ballot at any point and the person can still return the ballot," Ammons said.
Several Democratic and Republican states have passed plans to make this change over the past 20 years. Washington election leaders said universal vote-by-mail improved voter participation and alleviated multiple issues for local election authorities.
"In vote-by-mail, you simply need fewer temporary workers to conduct an election since you don't need to staff hundreds of polling locations," said William Cavecche, the research and policy coordinator for King County, Washington elections. "This reduces the opportunity for mistakes or missteps, but, more importantly, it allows us as election officials to make better use of our resources."
Anyone who has never voted would not be sent a vote-by-mail unless they provide proof of their identity to local election leaders. There would also be an option for people to opt out if they prefer to vote in person.
"To be clear, any voter who opts out of automatic mailing can change their minds at any time and sign up online through our portal, call the office and request an application be mailed to them, or simply come to the office and sign up in person," said Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons.
Both Carol and Aaron Ammons told the House Ethics and Elections Committee Wednesday that vote-by-mail is efficient, fiscally-sound and the most accessible option for voters.
The proposal has not been assigned to a House committee. Although, Ammons and other lawmakers hope to discuss the idea more when session starts next week. Many hope the General Assembly acts on the plan soon to address safety for county clerks and staff.
"We have received an number of hostile, harassing and borderline threats for just sending applications to people who don't want applications," Ammons said. "So, it's unsafe to continue agitating these voters when they have clearly communicated a vehement lack of interest in receiving these applications."
California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Vermont and Washington conduct all-mail elections.
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