Bill
SB 1464
Illinois requires a certified remote accessible vote-by-mail system so voters with print disabilities can receive, mark, verify, and later return ballots electronically.
Status / Sponsor
- Jurisdiction: State of Illinois (104th General Assembly)
- Primary sponsor (introduced): Sen. Julie A. Morrison
- Introduced: 1/31/2025
- Code sections amended/added: amends 10 ILCS 5/19‑2, 19‑2.6, 19‑3 and adds 10 ILCS 5/20‑16 (Election Code)
Purpose
- To expand and standardize access to vote‑by‑mail for voters with print disabilities by requiring a certified remote accessible vote‑by‑mail system that enables such voters to receive, mark, verify, and (for later elections) return ballots electronically using assistive technology.
Key provisions
- Permanent accessible ballots: If a voter with a print disability is placed on the permanent vote‑by‑mail list and requested an accessible vote‑by‑mail ballot, the election authority must provide an accessible ballot for every election while the voter remains on that list.
- Certified remote accessible vote‑by‑mail system:
- For elections occurring before the 2026 general election, the State Board of Elections must provide (and election authorities may provide) an approved process to electronically transmit ballots to voters with print disabilities and allow those voters to mark and verify ballots using assistive technology. Under the pre‑2026 regime, voters who mark ballots electronically must print and return the marked ballot by mail as provided in Section 19‑6.
- For all elections occurring after the 2026 general election, the certified system must permit full electronic delivery, marking, verification, and electronic return of vote‑by‑mail ballots (i.e., allow voters to return ballots electronically).
- Operational timelines: When an election authority receives a vote‑by‑mail application from a voter with a print disability, the authority must begin electronic transmission of the ballot, instructions, and materials within two business days.
- Accessibility and technical standards: All electronic documents and web pages used as part of the certified system must comply with specified web content guidelines (accessibility standards). The certified system itself must meet requirements to be approved by the State Board (security, accessibility, verification and other standards are referenced in the bill).
- Definitions clarified: The bill updates the definition of “certified remote accessible vote by mail system” and defines terms such as “assistive technology,” “electronic transmission,” and “voter with a print disability.”
Who would be affected
- Primary beneficiaries: Voters with print disabilities (temporary or permanent impairments that impede use of printed materials), including those with blindness, low vision, limited dexterity, or cognitive/learning disabilities.
- Administrative actors: Illinois State Board of Elections, county election authorities, and local election officials who must implement and operate certified systems.
- Technology and service providers: Vendors that supply assistive technologies, ballot delivery/marking/verification systems, and election IT systems will need to meet certification, accessibility, and security requirements.
Implementation timeline & procedural notes
- Transitional approach: limited electronic delivery and marking (pre‑2026) with print‑and‑return requirement; full electronic return allowed for elections after the 2026 general election.
- The bill sets administrative/technical obligations on the State Board and local election authorities; specifics of certification, security and accessibility standards will be determined by the Board in rulemaking or approval processes.
- Fiscal impacts are not specified in the bill text — implementation will likely require investments by the State Board and local election authorities (system development/certification, staff training, vendor contracts, and cybersecurity measures).
Potential considerations
- Accessibility gains: Increased independence for voters with print disabilities and greater conformity with disability‑access requirements.
- Security and integrity: The shift to electronic marking and, for later elections, electronic return raises policy considerations about authentication, ballot secrecy, tamper resistance, auditability, and voter verification procedures; the bill delegates technical/security specification to the certification process.
- Operational costs: Local and state election administrators will need resources to implement, certify, and maintain compliant systems.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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