Bill
SB 1744
Centralizes permanent vote-by-mail processing and the statewide PVBM list under the Illinois State Board of Elections, expanding access for print-disabled and jailed voters.
Status: Introduced in the 104th Illinois General Assembly (2025). Primary sponsor: Sen. Cristina Castro. Companion: HB 3324. (As introduced, LRB10409970SPS20040b.)
Purpose
- Centralize and standardize administration of permanent vote‑by‑mail (PVBM) applications and the PVBM list by moving responsibility from each local election authority to the Illinois State Board of Elections (SBE).
- Clarify procedures to improve access to vote‑by‑mail for voters in county jails and for voters with print disabilities, and update related notice and processing rules.
Key provisions
- State administration of PVBM
- The SBE, rather than each county or local election authority, will process applications for permanent vote‑by‑mail status and maintain the statewide PVBM list.
- Voters placed on the PVBM list remain on it until they request removal, change registration in a way that affects eligibility, or register in another jurisdiction.
- PVBM application materials must be accessible year‑round on the SBE website.
- Notices and applications
- The SBE is required to notify qualified voters (except those already on PVBM or who opt out) between 90 and 45 days before a general election about the option to apply for permanent vote‑by‑mail and must include the application with that notice.
- Voters confined in county jails
- Each election authority in counties with population under 3,000,000 must collaborate with the primary county jail to facilitate vote‑by‑mail opportunities for eligible detained or confined voters under its jurisdiction.
- Voters with print disabilities (remote accessible voting)
- The SBE must provide a certified remote accessible vote‑by‑mail system enabling electronic delivery of ballots to voters with print disabilities and permitting marking/verification using assistive technology.
- Ballots delivered electronically via this system must be printable by the voter and returned consistent with existing return rules.
- The SBE shall adopt implementing rules, including certification standards and operational procedures (including emergency rules).
- Conforming and technical edits
- Multiple sections of the Election Code (including 19‑2, 19‑2.3, 19‑2.5, 19‑2.6, 19‑3 and others) are amended or supplemented to reflect the changed roles and procedures.
Who is affected
- Illinois State Board of Elections: increased administrative responsibility and operational duties (PVBM list, notices, accessible system).
- Local election authorities/county clerks: change in processing duties but retained responsibilities for local coordination (e.g., jail collaboration, receipt/processing of returned ballots).
- Voters: expanded statewide access to year‑round PVBM applications; specific improved access for voters with print disabilities and for eligible voters confined in jails.
- Stakeholders: disability advocates, county election staffs, election vendors (for accessible systems), and organizations involved in voter outreach.
Procedural/timeline notes
- The bill as introduced includes placement of new and amended Election Code sections (e.g., adding a new Section 19‑6.5).
- The draft requires the SBE to provide the certified remote accessible system and to adopt rules to implement the changes; those rulemaking and systems‑deployment timelines would be determined after enactment.
- As introduced, the bill is in committee/assignment stages; companion legislation and later bill actions will determine final enactment and effective dates.
Potential impacts (practical considerations)
- Centralization at the SBE should standardize PVBM application processing, likely improving consistency and online access but will increase SBE workload and may require funding and technical investment.
- The certified remote accessible system advances accessibility for voters with disabilities but will require technical, security, and certification work.
- Local election authorities will shift some administrative burden to the state but will continue operational roles (e.g., handling returned ballots and local jail coordination).
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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