January 7, 2016
Under
the State of Illinois’ election code, voters who are in the military and mail
in their ballots are required to have them postmarked one day before all other
voters. Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor and Lake County Clerk Carla
Wyckoff are urging state lawmakers to amend this legislation to create equity
in the election code for military voters.
“The
men and women who wear our country’s uniform deserve the same opportunities to
vote that everyday citizens receive,” said Lake County Board Chairman Aaron
Lawlor. “While I don’t think the General Assembly intended to create this
inequity for our military men and women, it is important that they amend our
election laws so vote-by-mail deadlines are the same for everyone.”
Under
the State of Illinois’ current election code, members of the United States
military who wish to vote in any election and are absent from the county in
which they reside must have their vote-by-mail ballot postmarked no later than
midnight preceding Election Day. This deadline is inconsistent with other
vote-by-mail sections of the election code, where the postmark deadline is
midnight on Election Day.
Lake
County Clerk Carla Wyckoff said, “The election law is complex therefore
consistency and equality are essential. It is our goal to make sure voters
understand their voting rights and take advantage of every opportunity to vote.
When there are inconsistencies, it makes it much more challenging. I am
grateful for the outstanding team at the Lake County Clerk’s Office who found
the inconsistency.”
This
initiative is included in the Lake
County 2016 Legislative Program. Each year, the Lake County Board
identifies initiatives and programs for local legislators to consider
sponsoring during the legislative session.
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Contact: Jennie Vana Communications Manager Lake County Administrator's Office Email Address: jvana@lakecountyil.gov Phone Number: 847.377.2154
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