HR0652 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0652 LRB104 20569 ECR 34050 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Free, fair, and accessible elections are the foundation of democracy in the State of Illinois and the United States; and

WHEREAS, The right to vote is a protected civic activity that must be exercised free from intimidation, coercion, or fear; and

WHEREAS, The administration of elections is a core responsibility of the states under the U.S. Constitution; and

WHEREAS, Public confidence in elections depends upon voters feeling safe when registering to vote, casting a ballot, and participating in election processes; and

WHEREAS, The presence of law enforcement activity unrelated to election administration at or near polling places can create confusion, fear, and the perception of voter intimidation; and

WHEREAS, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has historically recognized schools, places of worship, and civic spaces as "sensitive locations" where enforcement actions are generally avoided in order to protect public participation in essential community activities; and

WHEREAS, Voting locations, early voting sites, ballot drop boxes, and election offices serve a similarly essential civic function and should be treated with the same respect to preserve democratic participation; and

WHEREAS, Ensuring that immigration enforcement activity does not intersect with election administration is necessary to protect voter confidence and prevent the chilling of lawful voter participation; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we affirm voting is a protected civic activity that must be free from intimidation, fear, or the appearance of law enforcement surveillance unrelated to election administration; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we declare immigration enforcement activity at or in the immediate vicinity of polling places, early voting locations, ballot drop boxes, voter registration sites, and election offices undermines public confidence in elections and the democratic process; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge all federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to refrain from conducting civil immigration enforcement operations at or near locations where voting or election administration is taking place; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we affirm the authority of the State of Illinois to administer elections without interference from unrelated federal enforcement activity; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage election authorities, in coordination with the Illinois State Board of Elections, to promote voter education and clear guidance to ensure voters understand their rights and feel safe participating in the electoral process; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to all members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation and the Secretary of Homeland Security.