Bill > HB1716

This bill amends the Election Code to remove a provision that previously allowed churches and private schools to prohibit electioneering (political campaigning) on their entire property when serving as a polling place. The bill standardizes the electioneering restrictions by establishing a uniform 100-foot "campaign free zone" around polling place entrances, regardless of whether the polling location is in a church, school, or other type of building. The bill specifies how markers (such as cones or flags) should be placed to delineate this 100-foot boundary, with specific instructions for buildings with multiple floors or complex layouts. The legislation also affirms that the area beyond the campaign free zone is considered a public forum during voting hours, where people have the right to engage in political activities like placing temporary signs. Furthermore, the bill declares that regulating electioneering on polling place property is an exclusive power of the state, preventing local governments from creating their own conflicting regulations.

Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1716&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104