ELEC CD-POLLING PLACES

104th Regular Session Introduced by Julie Morrison

The bill modifies how Illinois polling places are designated and operated to strengthen accessibility, safety, and compliance with election laws.

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

Summary of SB 3297 (104th Illinois General Assembly)

Purpose and intent

SB 3297 is an Illinois bill addressing polling places within the Elec CD (Election Code) framework. The bill appears to target procedures or criteria related to the selection, operation, or administration of polling places, with a focus on ensuring proper management, accessibility, and compliance with applicable election laws. The exact statutory language is not provided here, but the title “ELEC CD-POLLING PLACES” indicates changes or clarifications to how polling places are designated and run in Illinois elections.

Key provisions and changes (as inferred from title and context)

Modifies provisions related to polling place administration under the Election Code (ELEC).

Potentially revises criteria for polling place designation, location criteria, accessibility requirements, or staffing.

May address procedural timelines for designating polling places, including coordination with election authorities.

Could include reporting, oversight, or notification requirements for counties or municipal election officials.

Could involve standards to ensure polling places remain open during elections and comply with safety, accessibility, or voter information requirements.

Note: The exact statutory changes (dollar amounts, percentages, exact duties) are not provided in the available material. The summary focuses on the likely scope given the bill’s title and the typical content of similar election code amendments.

Who would be affected

Illinois county boards of election officials and municipal election departments responsible for setting up and operating polling places.

Voters, who would be affected indirectly through changes in polling place locations, accessibility, or hours.

Election workers and poll workers assigned to polling locations.

Potentially vendors or facilities contracted to host polling sites, if the bill adjusts site selection or approval processes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Filed with the Secretary of State by Senator Julie A. Morrison on February 3, 2026.

Referred to Assignments, then to Executive, and finally to the Elections committee (as of February–April 2026 activity).

Rule 2-10 Committee deadlines established:

April 24, 2026: 3rd Reading Deadline (established)
May 15, 2026: 3rd Reading Deadline (established)
May 22, 2026: Final deadline for committee action or passage (as indicated by the latest note)

Co-sponsor noted: Julie Morrison (aligned with the sponsoring senator).

Practical considerations and potential impacts

If the bill clarifies or strengthens polling place designation, it may reduce disputes over polling site suitability and improve voter access.

Changes could impact the timeliness of polling place announcements and voter information dissemination.

Adjustments to accessibility or safety standards could enhance the ability of all voters, including those with disabilities, to vote.

Counties may need to adjust logistics, staffing, and facility contracts to comply with new requirements.

If you have access to the bill’s full text, I can provide a line-by-line analysis of the specific provisions, identify all affected statutes, and outline any required fiscal impact, compliance requirements, or implementation steps.