Springfield, Illinois—Legislation that seeks to change the date of the Illinois primary election passed the Illinois Senate Wednesday, February 24. Senate Bill 355, sponsored by State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon), would move the date of the primary to the third Tuesday in March if signed into law.
“Senate Bill 355 is important but should have never have been necessary. The Democrat Majority in the General Assembly and Governor Blagojevich spearheaded the drive to move the primary to early February to benefit then- U.S. Senator Barack Obama,” explained Senator Righter. “While I appreciate the pride that many in both parties have that an individual from Illinois became president, the voting process is a public process and should not be altered for the benefit of one person or one party.”
Currently the primary election is held the first Tuesday in February. Senator Righter’s legislation moves the date to the third Tuesday in March in even numbered years. The bill also amends reporting requirement deadlines and other administrative election functions that must be changed in order to accommodate a March primary election.
“Moving the primary will have many positive effects,” Senator Righter said. “Voters will be less bombarded with campaign material and voters will not have to fight the elements to get out and vote. “
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives where it must be approved before it ends up on the Governor’s desk.
