Bill > SB1324

This bill amends the Election Code to modify the process of selecting polling places in schools. Currently, election authorities can use schools as polling places, and school districts must comply. Under the new provisions, if a school district can demonstrate that using a school as a polling place would disrupt scheduled programming or potentially compromise staff and student safety, the election authority and school district must collaboratively seek an alternative location. If they cannot agree on an alternative site, they must submit a detailed report to the Board of County Commissioners, which includes information such as previous voter turnout data (including early voting, vote-by-mail, and election day percentages), a list of prior polling places within a reasonable distance, and a list of early polling places nearby. The Board of County Commissioners is then required to determine a polling place location as quickly as possible to prevent delays. The bill still encourages school districts to either close on election day or hold a teachers institute with students absent. This legislation aims to balance the need for accessible polling places with the safety and operational concerns of school districts.

Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1324&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104