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SB 3300

ELEC CD-VOTE CENTERS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Julie Morrison

Illinois would add vote centers alongside precincts with minimums by county, plus random retabulation/testing of equipment after elections.

Rule 2-10 Committee/3rd Reading Deadline Established As May 22, 2026
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Bill Summary · SB 3300

Summary of SB3300 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Title: ELEC CD-VOTE CENTERS

Sponsor: Sen. Julie A. Morrison

Status: Introduced February 3, 2026. Referred to Elections; Rule 2-10 deadlines set for 2026 session.

Purpose (Intent)
- The bill modifies the Election Code to expand the use of vote centers in Illinois alongside traditional precinct-based voting.
- It also introduces retabulation/auditing provisions for jurisdictions using in-precinct counting equipment, with a standardized random selection process overseen by the State Board of Elections (SBE).

Key Provisions and Changes

1) Authorization and operation of vote centers (new and existing)
- Section 11-8 (Vote centers) creates a framework for vote centers in addition to required vote centers.
- At minimum, an election authority must establish at least one vote center where all voters can vote on election day, regardless of precinct. This center must provide curbside voting.
- For jurisdictions with a population over 18,500,000 (likely a drafting placeholder; the number may intend to distinguish large counties)—the bill requires at least two vote centers.
- Election authorities must identify the location and health/safety requirements by the 40th day before an election and certify to the State Board of Elections.
- The bill allows election authorities to establish additional vote centers beyond the minimum and governs their operation like precincts (election judges’ appointment procedures apply to each vote center rather than each precinct).

2) Structure and minimums for additional vote centers
- New model for additional vote centers includes detailed minimum numbers for general elections and primaries, based on county population:
- Counties with 250,000+ registered voters: specified minimums tied to days before election and election day counts (e.g., 1 center per 75,000 registrants during 15-5 days before election; 1 center per 20,000 from 4 days before to day before; 1 center per 12,500 on election day).
- Counties with 37,500–249,999: similar tiered requirements with a minimum of one center in each county, plus proportionality rules.
- Counties with 12,500–37,499: at least one center during the pre-election window, and at least 3 on election day.
- Counties with fewer than 12,500: at least one center from 15 days before to election day.
- Location selection criteria (for new vote centers) must consider:
- Transit access, parking, geographic access, equitable distribution, proximity to population centers, accessibility for disabled voters.
- Use of existing locations that serve many voters; cost considerations; security if private locations are used; proximity to historically underrepresented communities.
- Historical turnout and wait times data, and targeting centers in areas with lower turnout.
- Compliance with early voting guidelines (Article 19A) for hours and locations.

3) Retabulation and testing when in-precinct counting equipment is used
- Section 24B-15 (Official return; check of totals; retabulation)
- Requires retabulation of ballots for a sample (5%) of election-day equipment in active precincts and 5% of early voting devices, selected randomly by the SBE after election day.
- Selection is on a random, uniform basis so every device and precinct has an equal chance of being chosen.
- The retabulation involves re-counting ballots from the selected precincts and testing the associated equipment/software, including ballots that test the ability to reject invalid votes.
- The targeted retabulation results are to be compared to initial precinct totals; if discrepancies are found, a correction is made prior to proclamation.
- Notice and access: central committee chairs of political parties must be notified about the random selection and may be represented at retabulation events.
- The retabulation results have the same effect as other discovery procedures for canvassing and are publicly printable.

  • Section 24C-15 (Official return; audit) mirrors the retabulation framework for Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) systems and requires post-election audits (5% testing of election-day equipment and 5% of early voting devices) with random selection by the SBE.
    • Includes testing of paper records against official results, with detailed procedures for testing, error correction, and public disclosure.
    • If errors persist, a written report is provided to canvassing boards and made publicly available.
    • Notice of testing is provided to party leaders and allowed representation.
    • Testing results have same legal effect as other canvass discovery procedures.

4) Definitions and coordination
- The bill integrates the new vote-center model with existing election administration, ensuring vote centers operate with the same responsibilities as precincts for purposes of election law.
- Requires coordination with SBE regarding locations, hours, and random selection procedures for retabulation and testing.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Voters: Potentially greater access and flexibility via vote centers; curbside voting options; distribution of centers to reduce wait times and improve convenience.
  • Election Authorities (counties/cities): New requirements for designating and maintaining vote centers; criteria-based site selection; reporting and certification to SBE; potential staffing implications (election judges assigned to centers rather than per precinct).
  • Election Judges and Staff: Staffing requirements adjusted to per vote center rather than per precinct; possible changes in training and assignment processes.
  • Political Parties and Civic Organizations: Rights to attend random selection procedures for retabulation and testing; enhanced transparency in post-election audits.
  • State Board of Elections: Oversees random sampling for retabulation and testing; designs sampling methodology; issues related to standard procedures and public notice.

Timeline and Procedural Aspects

  • Vote center framework: Establishment and certification requirements apply prior to elections (location, health/safety standards due 40 days before election; minimums depend on county size; guidelines align with Article 19A for early voting).
  • Retabulation and testing: Random sampling of 5% of election-day equipment and 5% of early voting devices, selected after election day; tests conducted on actual ballots and equipment; results compared with official canvasses and printed; party chairs notified prior to selection; retabulation/testing results treated as equivalent to other discovery procedures.
  • Repeal/expiration: Section 11-8 (Vote centers) is scheduled to be repealed on July 1, 2029, unless further action is taken.

Notes

  • The bill contemplates a sunset mechanism for the vote centers provision and expands the model of voting to include both centralized vote centers and traditional precincts, with explicit rules on location, staffing, and accessibility.
  • The retabulation provisions emphasize randomness and public transparency, aiming to bolster confidence in election results.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current Illinois law or a quick impact assessment for a specific county.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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