ELEC CD-EARLY VOTING LINE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Joyce and 1 co-sponsor

Requires election authorities to allow any voter who is in line at the time early voting closes to cast a ballot, preventing disenfranchisement for those still waiting.

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

Purpose / Intent

To amend the Election Code governing early voting so that any voter who is physically in line to vote at the time an early voting polling place closes is permitted to cast a ballot. The measure aims to prevent disenfranchisement of voters who are waiting to vote when the polling place’s posted early‑voting hours end.

Key provisions

Amends Section 19A-15 (Period for early voting; hours) of the Election Code.

Retains existing early‑voting hours framework for permanent early‑voting polling places (the bill text preserves the current detailed schedule for the early voting period and hours).

Adds an explicit requirement: an election authority must allow any voter who is in line to vote at the time an early voting polling place closes to cast a ballot.

Preserves an emergency exception: an election authority may close an early voting site early if the building is closed by the State or a unit of local government in response to a severe weather emergency or other force majeure; the authority must notify the State Board of Elections and make reasonable efforts to inform the public of alternative locations.

Who is affected

Voters who appear and wait in line at early‑voting locations — they would be guaranteed the opportunity to vote if they are in line at closing time.

Local election authorities and poll workers — they must allow in‑line voters to complete voting after scheduled closing, and manage any related operational, staffing, and security duties.

State election administrators (e.g., State Board of Elections) — responsible for receiving closure notifications and overseeing compliance.

Potentially, contracted service providers and jurisdictions responsible for polling place facilities (if emergency closures occur).

Practical impact and considerations

Reduces risk of disenfranchisement where voters arrive before closing but are still waiting in line when hours end.

May require additional staff time and operational procedures to secure ballots and facilities after scheduled closing times.

Jurisdictions will need clear line‑management, signage, and public notice policies so voters know their rights and to limit disputes about who is “in line.”

Could modestly increase administrative costs tied to extended staff hours at the end of the day or on late weekends.

Procedural status / timeline

Introduced Feb. 21, 2025. Sponsor: Sen. Zaffirini.

Most recent status reported: Rule 3-9(a) / Re‑referred to Assignments (as of 2025-04-11).

Next steps typically include assignment to committee(s), hearings, and committee votes before potential floor action.

Note: The packet of materials provided with this request contained text from several different bills and jurisdictions (including unrelated Hawaiian Homes, Arizona health‑care appropriations, and an Illinois early‑voting draft). This summary isolates and describes the election‑related provision titled "ELEC CD—EARLY VOTING LINE" that would require permitting voters in line at early‑voting closing to cast ballots.

Bill