Changes to election law raise concerns about election fraud
12/8/2014
Major changes to Illinois election law were approved by the General Assembly during the final week of the fall veto session. While some are hailing the changes as a means to increase access to voter registration, others are raising concerns that the significant changes will make Illinois vulnerable to mass election fraud.
Senate Bill 172 makes notable modifications to how, when and where Illinois voters can register and cast their ballots. The bill makes permanent and expands the same-day voter registration pilot program that was established prior to the 2014 general election. Voters will now be able to register to vote on Election Day at their polling place. Another significant change allows voter registration online or through a mobile application.
“I voted against this legislation because I am concerned about voter fraud,” State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) said. “We all know Illinois has a history of some questionable voting practices. This will only add to the problem.”
The changes in the bill won’t be in place until the 2016 Presidential election, leaving Senate Republican lawmakers questioning the timing of this bill’s passage.