Bill > HB5219

This bill, referred to as the Safe Voting Act, amends the Election Code to protect individuals from civil arrest while they are in the process of voting. Civil arrest is defined as an arrest that is not for a criminal offense, a violation of release conditions, or based on a judicial warrant. The bill grants privilege from civil arrest to any person who is legally qualified to vote and is in good faith attending a polling place, ballot drop box, or election authority for the purpose of casting a vote, including early voting or submitting a mail-in ballot, while going to, remaining at, and returning from these locations. This protection extends to the premises of these voting locations, surrounding public areas, and within 200 feet of them. Local election authorities are empowered to implement rules to enforce this privilege. Individuals who violate this provision by falsely arresting someone they know or should have known was exercising their voting rights can be liable for civil damages, including actual and statutory damages up to $10,000, plus court costs and attorney's fees. However, this protection does not apply to lawful actions taken by election officials to maintain safety and order, nor does it prevent criminal arrests or the execution of criminal arrest warrants.

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=5219&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104