HB4819 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB095 15828 JAM 41837 b

95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2007 and 2008
HB4819

Introduced , by Rep. Mike Bost

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

10 ILCS 5/19-8	from Ch. 46, par. 19-8
10 ILCS 5/19-10	from Ch. 46, par. 19-10
10 ILCS 5/19-20
10 ILCS 5/19A-15
10 ILCS 5/24A-6	from Ch. 46, par. 24A-6
10 ILCS 5/24B-6
10 ILCS 5/24C-1
10 ILCS 5/24C-6
10 ILCS 5/24C-13
10 ILCS 5/19-2.1 rep.

Amends the Election Code. Eliminates in-person absentee voting. Provides that early voting extends through the Monday (now, the 5th day) before an election.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning elections.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Election Code is amended by changing Sections 6-105, 19-8, 19-10, 19-20, 19A-15, 24A-6, 24B-6, 24C-1, 24C-6, and 24C-13 as follows:

(10 ILCS 5/19-8) (from Ch. 46, par. 19-8)

Sec. 19-8. Time and place of counting ballots.

(a) (Blank.)

(b) Each absent voter's ballot returned to an election authority, by any means authorized by this Article, and received by that election authority before the closing of the polls on election day shall be endorsed by the receiving election authority with the day and hour of receipt and shall be counted in the central ballot counting location of the election authority on the day of the election after 7:00 p.m., except as provided in subsections (g) and (g-5).

(c) Each absent voter's ballot that is mailed to an election authority and postmarked by the midnight preceding the opening of the polls on election day, but that is received by the election authority after the polls close on election day and before the close of the period for counting provisional ballots cast at that election, shall be endorsed by the receiving authority with the day and hour of receipt and shall be counted at the central ballot counting location of the election authority during the period for counting provisional ballots.

Each absent voter's ballot that is mailed to an election authority absent a postmark, but that is received by the election authority after the polls close on election day and before the close of the period for counting provisional ballots cast at that election, shall be endorsed by the receiving authority with the day and hour of receipt, opened to inspect the date inserted on the certification, and, if the certification date is a date preceding the election day and the ballot is otherwise found to be valid under the requirements of this Section, counted at the central ballot counting location of the election authority during the period for counting provisional ballots. Absent a date on the certification, the ballot shall not be counted.

(d) Special write-in absentee voter's blank ballots returned to an election authority, by any means authorized by this Article, and received by the election authority at any time before the closing of the polls on election day shall be endorsed by the receiving election authority with the day and hour of receipt and shall be counted at the central ballot counting location of the election authority during the same period provided for counting absent voters' ballots under subsections (b), (g), and (g-5). Special write-in absentee voter's blank ballots that are mailed to an election authority and postmarked by the midnight preceding the opening of the polls on election day, but that are received by the election authority after the polls close on election day and before the closing of the period for counting provisional ballots cast at that election, shall be endorsed by the receiving authority with the day and hour of receipt and shall be counted at the central ballot counting location of the election authority during the same periods provided for counting absent voters' ballots under subsection (c).

(e) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, absent voters' ballots and special write-in absentee voter's blank ballots received by the election authority after the closing of the polls on an election day shall be endorsed by the election authority receiving them with the day and hour of receipt and shall be safely kept unopened by the election authority for the period of time required for the preservation of ballots used at the election, and shall then, without being opened, be destroyed in like manner as the used ballots of that election.

(f) Counting required under this Section to begin on election day after the closing of the polls shall commence no later than 8:00 p.m. and shall be conducted by a panel or panels of election judges appointed in the manner provided by law. The counting shall continue until all absent voters' ballots and special write-in absentee voter's blank ballots required to be counted on election day have been counted.

(g) The procedures set forth in Articles 17 and 18 of this Code shall apply to all ballots counted under this Section. In addition, within 2 days after an absentee ballot, other than an in-person absentee ballot, is received, but in all cases before the close of the period for counting provisional ballots, the election judge or official shall compare the voter's signature on the certification envelope of that absentee ballot with the signature of the voter on file in the office of the election authority. If the election judge or official determines that the 2 signatures match, and that the absentee voter is otherwise qualified to cast an absentee ballot, the election authority shall cast and count the ballot on election day or the day the ballot is determined to be valid, whichever is later, adding the results to the precinct in which the voter is registered. If the election judge or official determines that the signatures do not match, or that the absentee voter is not qualified to cast an absentee ballot, then without opening the certification envelope, the judge or official shall mark across the face of the certification envelope the word "Rejected" and shall not cast or count the ballot.

In addition to the voter's signatures not matching, an absentee ballot may be rejected by the election judge or official:

(1) if the ballot envelope is open or has been opened and resealed;

(2) if the voter has already cast an early or grace period ballot;

(3) if the voter voted in person on election day or the voter is not a duly registered voter in the precinct; or

(4) on any other basis set forth in this Code.

If the election judge or official determines that any of these reasons apply, the judge or official shall mark across the face of the certification envelope the word "Rejected" and shall not cast or count the ballot.

(g-5) If an absentee ballot,other than an in-person absentee ballot, is rejected by the election judge or official for any reason, the election authority shall, within 2 days after the rejection but in all cases before the close of the period for counting provisional ballots, notify the absentee voter that his or her ballot was rejected. The notice shall inform the voter of the reason or reasons the ballot was rejected and shall state that the voter may appear before the election authority, on or before the 14th day after the election, to show cause as to why the ballot should not be rejected. The voter may present evidence to the election authority supporting his or her contention that the ballot should be counted. The election authority shall appoint a panel of 3 election judges to review the contested ballot, application, and certification envelope, as well as any evidence submitted by the absentee voter. No more than 2 election judges on the reviewing panel shall be of the same political party. The reviewing panel of election judges shall make a final determination as to the validity of the contested absentee ballot. The judges' determination shall not be reviewable either administratively or judicially.

An absentee ballot subject to this subsection that is determined to be valid shall be counted before the close of the period for counting provisional ballots.

(g-10) All absentee ballots determined to be valid shall be added to the vote totals for the precincts for which they were cast in the order in which the ballots were opened.

(h) Each political party, candidate, and qualified civic organization shall be entitled to have present one pollwatcher for each panel of election judges therein assigned.

(Source: P.A. 94-557, eff. 8-12-05; 94-1000, eff. 7-3-06; 95-699, eff. 11-9-07.)

(10 ILCS 5/19-10) (from Ch. 46, par. 19-10)

Sec. 19-10. Pollwatchers may be appointed to observe in-person absentee voting procedures and view all reasonably requested records relating to the conduct of the election, provided the secrecy of the ballot is not impinged, at the office of the election authority as well as at municipal, township or road district clerks' offices where such absentee voting is conducted. Such pollwatchers shall qualify and be appointed in the same manner as provided in Sections 7-34 and 17-23, except each candidate, political party or organization of citizens may appoint only one pollwatcher for each location where in-person absentee voting is conducted. Pollwatchers must be registered to vote in Illinois and possess valid pollwatcher credentials.

In the polling place on election day, pollwatchers shall be permitted to be present during the casting of the absent voters' ballots and the vote of any absent voter may be challenged for cause the same as if he were present and voted in person, and the judges of the election or a majority thereof shall have power and authority to hear and determine the legality of such ballot; Provided, however, that if a challenge to any absent voter's right to vote is sustained, notice of the same must be given by the judges of election by mail addressed to the voter's place of residence.

Where certain absent voters' ballots are counted on the day of the election in the office of the election authority as provided in Section 19-8 of this Act, each political party, candidate and qualified civic organization shall be entitled to have present one pollwatcher for each panel of election judges therein assigned. Such pollwatchers shall be subject to the same provisions as are provided for pollwatchers in Sections 7-34 and 17-23 of this Code, and shall be permitted to observe the election judges making the signature comparison between that which is on the ballot envelope and that which is on the permanent voter registration record card taken from the master file.

(Source: P.A. 93-574, eff. 8-21-03; 94-645, eff. 8-22-05.)

(10 ILCS 5/19-20)

Sec. 19-20. Report on absentee ballots. This Section applies to absentee ballots other than in-person absentee ballots.

On or before the 21st day after an election, each election authority shall transmit to the State Board of Elections the following information with respect to that election:

(1) The number, by precinct, of absentee ballots requested, provided, and counted.

(2) The number of rejected absentee ballots.

(3) The number of voters seeking review of rejected absentee ballots pursuant to subsection (g-5) of Section 19-8.

(4) The number of absentee ballots counted following review pursuant to subsection (g-5) of Section 19-8. On or before the 28th day after an election, the State Board of Elections shall compile the information received under this Section with respect to that election and make that information available to the public.

(Source: P.A. 94-1000, eff. 7-3-06.)

(10 ILCS 5/19A-15)

Sec. 19A-15. Period for early voting; hours.

(a) The period for early voting by personal appearance begins the 22nd day preceding a general primary, consolidated primary, consolidated, or general election and extends through the Monday 5th day before election day.

(b) A permanent polling place for early voting must remain open during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

(Source: P.A. 94-645, eff. 8-22-05.)

(10 ILCS 5/24A-6) (from Ch. 46, par. 24A-6)

Sec. 24A-6. The ballot information, whether placed on the ballot or on the marking device, shall, as far as practicable, be in the order of arrangement provided for paper ballots, except that such information may be in vertical or horizontal rows, or in a number of separate pages. Ballots for all questions or propositions to be voted on must be provided in the same manner and must be arranged on or in the marking device or on the ballot sheet in the places provided for such purposes.

When an electronic voting system utilizes a ballot label booklet and ballot card, ballots for candidates, ballots calling for a constitutional convention, constitutional amendment ballots, judicial retention ballots, public measures, and all propositions to be voted upon may be placed on the electronic voting device by providing in the ballot booklet separate ballot label pages or series of pages distinguished by differing colors as provided below. When an electronic voting system utilizes a ballot sheet, ballots calling for a constitutional convention, constitutional amendment ballots and judicial retention ballots shall be placed on the ballot sheet by providing a separate portion of the ballot sheet for each such kind of ballot which shall be printed in ink of a color distinct from the color of ink used in printing any other portion of the ballot sheet. Ballots for candidates, public measures and all other propositions to be voted upon shall be placed on the ballot sheet by providing a separate portion of the ballot sheet for each such kind of ballot. Whenever a person has submitted a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate as required in Sections 17-16.1 and 18-9.1, a line on which the name of a candidate may be written by the voter shall be printed below the name of the last candidate nominated for such office, and immediately to the left of such line an area shall be provided for marking a vote for such write-in candidate. The number of write-in lines for an office shall equal the number of persons who have filed declarations of intent to be write-in candidates plus an additional line or lines for write-in candidates who qualify to file declarations to be write-in candidates under Sections 17-16.1 and 18-9.1 when the certification of ballot contains the words "OBJECTION PENDING" next to the name of the candidate, up to the number of candidates for which a voter may vote. More than one amendment to the constitution may be placed on the same ballot page or series of pages or on the same portion of the ballot sheet, as the case may be. Ballot label pages for constitutional conventions or constitutional amendments shall be on paper of blue color and shall precede all other ballot label pages in the ballot label booklet. More than one public measure or proposition may be placed on the same ballot label page or series of pages or on the same portion of the ballot sheet, as the case may be. More than one proposition for retention of judges in office may be placed on the same ballot label page or series of pages or on the same portion of the ballot sheet, as the case may be. Ballot label pages for candidates shall be on paper of white color, except that in primary elections the ballot label page or pages for the candidates of each respective political party shall be of the color designated by the election official in charge of the election for that political party's candidates; provided that the ballot label pages or pages for candidates for use at the nonpartisan and consolidated elections may be on paper of different colors, except blue, whenever necessary or desirable to facilitate distinguishing between the pages for different political subdivisions. On each page of the candidate booklet, where the election is made to list ballot information vertically, the party affiliation of each candidate or the word "independent" shall appear immediately to the left of the candidate's name, and the name of candidates for the same office shall be listed vertically under the title of that office. In the case of nonpartisan elections for officers of political subdivisions, unless the statute or an ordinance adopted pursuant to Article VII of the Constitution requires otherwise, the listing of such nonpartisan candidates shall not include any party or "independent" designation. Ballot label pages for judicial retention ballots shall be on paper of green color, and ballot label pages for all public measures and other propositions shall be on paper of some other distinct and different color. In primary elections, a separate ballot label booklet, marking device and voting booth shall be used for each political party holding a primary, with the ballot label booklet arranged to include ballot label pages of the candidates of the party and public measures and other propositions to be voted upon on the day of the primary election. One ballot card may be used for recording the voter's vote or choice on all such ballots, proposals, public measures or propositions, and such ballot card shall be arranged so as to record the voter's vote or choice in a separate column or columns for each such kind of ballot, proposal, public measure or proposition.

If the ballot label booklet includes both candidates for office and public measures or propositions to be voted on, the election official in charge of the election shall divide the pages by protruding tabs identifying the division of the pages, and printing on such tabs "Candidates" and "Propositions".

The ballot card and all of its columns and the ballot card envelope shall be of the color prescribed for candidate's ballots at the general or primary election, whichever is being held. At an election where no candidates are being nominated or elected, the ballot card, its columns, and the ballot card envelope shall be of a color designated by the election official in charge of the election.

The ballot cards, ballot card envelopes and ballot sheets may, at the discretion of the election authority, be printed on white paper and then striped with the appropriate colors.

When ballot sheets are used, the various portions thereof shall be arranged to conform to the foregoing format.

Absentee ballots may consist of ballot cards, envelopes, paper ballots or ballot sheets voted in person in the office of the election official in charge of the election or voted by mail. Where a ballot card is used for voting by mail it must be accompanied by a punching tool or other appropriate marking device, voter instructions and a specimen ballot showing the proper positions to vote on the ballot card or ballot sheet for each party, candidate, proposal, public measure or proposition, and in the case of a ballot card must be mounted on a suitable material to receive the punched out chip.

Any voter who spoils his ballot or makes an error may return the ballot to the judges of election and secure another. However, the protruding identifying tab for proposals for a constitutional convention or constitutional amendments shall have printed thereon "Constitutional Ballot", and the ballot label page or pages for such proposals shall precede the ballot label pages for candidates in the ballot label booklet.

(Source: P.A. 95-699, eff. 11-9-07.)

(10 ILCS 5/24B-6)

Sec. 24B-6. Ballot Information; Arrangement; Electronic Precinct Tabulation Optical Scan Technology Voting System; Absentee Ballots; Spoiled Ballots. The ballot information, shall, as far as practicable, be in the order of arrangement provided for paper ballots, except that the information may be in vertical or horizontal rows, or on a number of separate pages or displays on the marking device. Ballots for all questions or propositions to be voted on should be provided in a similar manner and must be arranged on the ballot sheet or marking device in the places provided for such purposes. Ballots shall be of white paper unless provided otherwise by administrative rule of the State Board of Elections or otherwise specified.

All propositions, including but not limited to propositions calling for a constitutional convention, constitutional amendment, judicial retention, and public measures to be voted upon shall be placed on separate portions of the ballot sheet or marking device by utilizing borders or grey screens. Candidates shall be listed on a separate portion of the ballot sheet or marking device by utilizing borders or grey screens. Whenever a person has submitted a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate as required in Sections 17-16.1 and 18-9.1, a line or lines on which the voter may select a write-in candidate shall be printed below the name of the last candidate nominated for such office. Such line or lines shall be proximate to an area provided for marking votes for the write-in candidate or candidates. The number of write-in lines for an office shall equal the number of persons who have filed declarations of intent to be write-in candidates plus an additional line or lines for write-in candidates who qualify to file declarations to be write-in candidates under Sections 17-16.1 and 18-9.1 when the certification of ballot contains the words "OBJECTION PENDING" next to the name of that candidate, up to the number of candidates for which a voter may vote. More than one amendment to the constitution may be placed on the same portion of the ballot sheet or marking device. Constitutional convention or constitutional amendment propositions shall be printed or displayed on a separate portion of the ballot sheet or marking device and designated by borders or grey screens, unless otherwise provided by administrative rule of the State Board of Elections. More than one public measure or proposition may be placed on the same portion of the ballot sheet or marking device. More than one proposition for retention of judges in office may be placed on the same portion of the ballot sheet or marking device. Names of candidates shall be printed in black. The party affiliation of each candidate or the word "independent" shall appear near or under the candidate's name, and the names of candidates for the same office shall be listed vertically under the title of that office, on separate pages of the marking device, or as otherwise approved by the State Board of Elections. In the case of nonpartisan elections for officers of political subdivisions, unless the statute or an ordinance adopted pursuant to Article VII of the Constitution requires otherwise, the listing of nonpartisan candidates shall not include any party or "independent" designation. Judicial retention questions and ballot questions for all public measures and other propositions shall be designated by borders or grey screens on the ballot or marking device. In primary elections, a separate ballot, or displays on the marking device, shall be used for each political party holding a primary, with the ballot or marking device arranged to include names of the candidates of the party and public measures and other propositions to be voted upon on the day of the primary election.

If the ballot includes both candidates for office and public measures or propositions to be voted on, the election official in charge of the election shall divide the ballot or displays on the marking device in sections for "Candidates" and "Propositions", or separate ballots may be used.

Absentee ballots may consist of envelopes, paper ballots or ballot sheets voted in person in the office of the election official in charge of the election or voted by mail. Where a Precinct Tabulation Optical Scan Technology ballot is used for voting by mail it must be accompanied by voter instructions.

Any voter who spoils his or her ballot, makes an error, or has a ballot returned by the automatic tabulating equipment may return the ballot to the judges of election and get another ballot.

(Source: P.A. 95-699, eff. 11-9-07.)

(10 ILCS 5/24C-1)

Sec. 24C-1. Purpose. The purpose of this Article is to authorize the use of Direct Recording Electronic Voting Systems approved by the State Board of Elections. In a Direct Recording Electronic Voting System, voters cast votes by means of a ballot display provided with mechanical or electro-optical devices that can be activated by the voters to mark their choices for the candidates of their preference and for or against public questions. Such voting devices shall be capable of instantaneously recording such votes, storing such votes, producing a permanent paper record and tabulating such votes at the precinct or at one or more counting stations. This Article authorizes the use of Direct Recording Electronic Voting Systems for in-precinct counting applications and for in-person absentee voting in the office of the election authority and in the offices of local officials authorized by the election authority to conduct such absentee voting. All other absentee ballots must be counted at the office of the election authority.

(Source: P.A. 93-574, eff. 8-21-03.)

(10 ILCS 5/24C-6)

Sec. 24C-6. Ballot Information; Arrangement; Direct Recording Electronic Voting System; Absentee Ballots; Spoiled Ballots. The ballot information, shall, as far as practicable, be in the order of arrangement provided for paper ballots, except that the information may be in vertical or horizontal rows, or on a number of separate pages or display screens.

Ballots for all public questions to be voted on should be provided in a similar manner and must be arranged on the ballot in the places provided for such purposes. All public questions, including but not limited to public questions calling for a constitutional convention, constitutional amendment, or judicial retention, shall be placed on the ballot separate and apart from candidates. Ballots for all public questions shall be clearly designated by borders or different color screens. More than one amendment to the constitution may be placed on the same portion of the ballot sheet. Constitutional convention or constitutional amendment propositions shall be placed on a separate portion of the ballot and designated by borders or unique color screens, unless otherwise provided by administrative rule of the State Board of Elections. More than one public question may be placed on the same portion of the ballot. More than one proposition for retention of judges in office may be placed on the same portion of the ballot.

The party affiliation, if any, of each candidate or the word "independent", where applicable, shall appear near or under the candidate's name, and the names of candidates for the same office shall be listed vertically under the title of that office. In the case of nonpartisan elections for officers of political subdivisions, unless the statute or an ordinance adopted pursuant to Article VII of the Constitution requires otherwise, the listing of nonpartisan candidates shall not include any party or "independent" designation. In primary elections, a separate ballot shall be used for each political party holding a primary, with the ballot arranged to include names of the candidates of the party and public questions and other propositions to be voted upon on the day of the primary election.

If the ballot includes both candidates for office and public questions or propositions to be voted on, the election official in charge of the election shall divide the ballot in sections for "Candidates" and "Public Questions", or separate ballots may be used.

Any voter who spoils his or her ballot, makes an error, or has a ballot rejected by the automatic tabulating equipment shall be provided a means of correcting the ballot or obtaining a new ballot prior to casting his or her ballot.

Any election authority using a Direct Recording Electronic Voting System may use voting systems approved for use under Articles 24A or 24B of this Code in conducting absentee voting in the office of the election authority or voted by mail.

(Source: P.A. 93-574, eff. 8-21-03.)

(10 ILCS 5/24C-13)

Sec. 24C-13. Absentee ballots; Early voting ballots; Proceedings at Location for Central Counting; Employees; Approval of List.

(a) All jurisdictions using Direct Recording Electronic Voting Systems shall use paper ballots or paper ballot sheets approved for use under Articles 16, 24A or 24B of this Code when conducting absentee voting except that Direct Recording Electronic Voting Systems may be used for in-person absentee voting conducted pursuant to Section 19-2.1 of this Code. All absentee ballots shall be counted at the central ballot counting location of the election authority. The provisions of Section 24A-9, 24B-9 and 24C-9 of this Code shall apply to the testing and notice requirements for central count tabulation equipment, including comparing the signature on the ballot envelope with the signature of the voter on the permanent voter registration record card taken from the master file. Vote results shall be recorded by precinct and shall be added to the vote results for the precinct in which the absent voter was eligible to vote prior to completion of the official canvass.

(b) All proceedings at the location for central counting shall be under the direction of the county clerk or board of election commissioners. Except for any specially trained technicians required for the operation of the Direct Recording Electronic Voting System, the employees at the counting station shall be equally divided between members of the 2 leading political parties and all duties performed by the employees shall be by teams consisting of an equal number of members of each political party. Thirty days before an election the county clerk or board of election commissioners shall submit to the chairman of each political party, for his or her approval or disapproval, a list of persons of his or her party proposed to be employed. If a chairman fails to notify the election authority of his or her disapproval of any proposed employee within a period of 10 days thereafter the list shall be deemed approved.

(Source: P.A. 93-574, eff. 8-21-03; 94-645, eff. 8-22-05; 94-1000, eff. 7-3-06.)

(10 ILCS 5/19-2.1 rep.)

Section 10. The Election Code is amended by repealing Section 19-2.1.