Section 1650.1050  Return of Ballots

a)         Written Ballots

1)         For written ballots, upon receipt of the election materials specified in Section 1650.1030, the eligible voter shall:

A)        Mark the ballot in accordance with Section 1650.1040;

B)        Write the member's signature, address, and member ID or the last four digits of the member's social security number on the signature card;

C)        Detach the completed ballot and signature card along the perforated lines;

D)        Place the completed ballot into the envelope marked "For Ballot Only";

E)        Place the completed signature card and the ballot envelope into the return envelope; and

F)         Attach postage, seal and mail, via U.S. mail or express delivery service, the return envelope in time to reach the address provided by the System in the election materials at or prior to 10:00 a.m. on the election day.

2)         Written ballots not returned in the "For Ballot Only" envelope are invalid and will not be counted.

b)         Ballots must be received at or prior to 10:00 a.m. on the election day.  Ballots received after 10:00 a.m. on the election day are invalid and will not be counted. (See Section 16-165(d) of the Code.)

c)         All eligible voters must return their ballots to the System electronically via the independent, secure, third-party vendor selected by the System, or for written ballots, individually to the address provided by the System in the election materials via electronic mail, U.S. mail or express delivery service.  Ballots returned to the System in bulk, via hand delivery, or delivery other than as specified in this subsection, are invalid and will not be counted.

d)         Ballots that do not conform to all instructions accompanying the ballot are invalid and will not be counted.

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 9473, effective June 22, 2023)