State Rep. Darren Bailey, R-Louisville, left, wears a face mask as he walks through the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield, Ill., before the legislative session begins Thursday, May 22, 2020. Bailey was removed from the floor the day before for not complying with a House rule that required face coverings. (Ted Schurter/The State Journal-Register via AP, Pool)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois House will consider expanding voting by mail for the fall election using federal pandemic-relief funds.
The Democratic-controlled Executive Committee approved the plan Thursday on an 8-5 partisan vote.
Rep. Kelly Burke’s proposal would encourage mail-in ballots by sending applications to anyone who voted by mail in 2018, 2019 or in this year’s primary. The Democrat says it would provide a simpler and safer way to vote during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Republicans don’t like the idea, saying it could increase the chance of error or electoral fraud.
The proposal would boost mail-in voting only for the November election.
