SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Some Democratic lawmakers believe Illinois should be the first state to require voting for all eligible residents. A plan in Springfield would treat voting as a civic duty.
State leaders estimate there are fewer than 10 million people eligible to vote in Illinois. Roughly 8.1 million Illinoisans are registered to vote, but only 5.7 million people cast ballots in the 2024 general election.
"That reality raises an important question for us as elected leaders," said Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford). "What can we do as a state to foster greater and more consistent participation in the Democratic process?"
More than 24 countries treat voting as a civic duty similar to jury duty. Sponsors argue that all eligible citizens should cast a ballot during general elections, even if the voter submits a blank ballot.
However, Republicans said the state cannot force people to vote.
"Part of our electoral process and part of being a free people is the right not to engage," said Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis). "We have the freedom of speech. We also have the freedom not to speak."
Windhorst said some people choose not to vote as a form of protest against the electoral process.
The proposal states people would not face any fine, fee, or penalty if they choose not to vote.Â
Experts said nine states have introduced similar plans since 2015, but no state has made compulsory voting laws. Some countries implementing this policy have seen a 7% increase in voter turnout.
"When voters are required to vote, they do inform themselves more so about how to vote and how they want to vote," said 100% Democracy Executive Director Miles Rapoport. "I think that's really important."Â
Rapoport told the House Ethics & Elections Committee that universal voting encourages schools to make civic education a large part of their curriculum.
House Bill 2718 was filed in February but never moved out of the House Ethics & Elections Committee. The proposal has been locked in the House Rules Committee since March. Sponsors hope the idea will gain traction over the coming months.
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