this is a post of an email that was sent by cook county clerk david orr.
gonna cross post this in election reform.
Dear Friends,
There are several pieces of legislation which are pending in Springfield
that could have a significant impact on the way elections are conducted
in Illinois.
HB4403 — “Elections Voter Photo ID” — would require voters to show
government-issued photo ID before casting a ballot on Election Day. It
will likely be voted on by the house in the next several weeks. This
would disenfranchise many minority, elderly and poor voters. (See
attached fact sheet.) It is also unnecessary since everyone must prove
their identity and attest to citizenship when they register to vote.
Please ask your legislators to vote against HB4403.
HB2673 — “Elections Tech” — would reestablish straight party voting in
Illinois. Straight party voting was previously available to Illinois
voters, but that option was abolished in 1997.
House Joint Resolution 29 — “Suffrage-Voting Age 17” — would amend the
Illinois constitution to make it possible for 17-year olds to vote in
all elections. I think this is a step in the right direction and will
increase youth participation in elections.
SB2314—“Homebound Absentee— would entitle voters to have a ballot
personally delivered to them if they were admitted to a hospital,
nursing homes or rehab center 14 days before Election Day (up from 5
days); as well as persons released on Election Day or the day prior who
will be homebound and unable to travel to polls.
**MEDIA NOTE** MY OFFICE’S NEW AWARD-WINNING CASHIERING SYSTEM WAS
HIGHLIGHTED IN A RECENT ARTICLE IN THE SUN-TIMES BUSINESS SECTION. TO
READ MORE CLICK ON THIS LINK:
http://www.suntimes.com/business/891682,CST-FIN-ECOL13.articleI will also be appearing with several other county clerks on the cable
show “Word with Willard” to discuss these, and other, important election
issues. Check your local cable listings.
Sincerely,
David Orr
Cook County Clerk