Bill > HB0002

This bill eliminates legal restrictions that previously prohibited incarcerated individuals from voting while serving their sentences. Specifically, the bill repeals Section 3-5 of the Election Code and removes language from the Unified Code of Corrections that stripped voting rights from people during their imprisonment. The changes mean that individuals who are currently serving sentences in penal institutions will now be able to vote, regardless of whether they are incarcerated. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, which provides time for election authorities and correctional institutions to prepare for the implementation of this new voting policy. By removing these voting restrictions, the bill aims to preserve the voting rights of incarcerated individuals and ensure they can continue to participate in the democratic process even while serving their sentences. The legislation represents a significant shift in voting rights policy, recognizing that being in prison should not automatically disqualify a person from exercising their fundamental right to vote.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104