Bill > SB3170

This bill, referred to as the Voting Rights Act of 2026, amends the Election Code to strengthen voting rights and ensure language access in elections. It prohibits any government entity responsible for election administration from implementing policies or practices that result in, are likely to result in, or are intended to result in unfair outcomes for voters, particularly those belonging to "protected classes" which include racial, color, or language minority groups. The bill also establishes requirements for local election authorities to provide language assistance, such as translated ballots and voter registration forms, in political subdivisions that meet specific demographic thresholds for limited-English proficient individuals, defined as those who report speaking, reading, or understanding English less than "very well." The Act aims to encourage maximum participation in elections and ensure equal opportunity for all eligible voters, and it includes provisions for legal action and remedies for violations, as well as the establishment of a Voter Outreach and Education Fund.

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3170&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104