ICE-ELECTIONS/POLLING PLACES

104th Regular Session Introduced by Carol Ammons and 9 co-sponsors

Declares that ICE activity near polling places undermines election participation and urges federal restraint to keep voting sites free from immigration enforcement.

Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Lindsey LaPointe

Summary of HR 652 (104th General Assembly, Illinois) – ICE-Election/Polling Places

Purpose and intent

This House Resolution declares that voting is a protected civic activity that must be free from intimidation, fear, or the appearance of law enforcement surveillance not related to election administration.

It asserts that immigration enforcement activity at or near polling places and other election-related sites undermines public confidence in elections and could chill lawful participation.

The resolution urges federal agencies, including ICE, to refrain from conducting civil immigration enforcement operations at or near locations where voting or election administration occurs.

It reaffirms Illinois’s authority to administer elections without interference from unrelated federal enforcement actions and encourages coordination to promote voter education and safety.

Key provisions and changes the bill would make

Declares and reiterates principles:

Voting should be free from intimidation or fear, and avoid the appearance of law enforcement surveillance unrelated to election administration.
ICE and other federal enforcement activities should not occur at or near polling places, early voting sites, ballot drop boxes, voter registration sites, or election offices.

Policy stance, not a regulatory mandate:

As a resolution, it does not create new enforceable duties or penalties but expresses the Illinois House’s position and policy recommendations.

Guidance and coordination:

Encourages election authorities, in coordination with the Illinois State Board of Elections, to promote voter education and provide clear guidance to ensure voters understand their rights and feel safe participating in elections.

Who or what would be affected

Affects federal enforcement operations in Illinois by signaling opposition to ICE activity at or near election-related sites.

Affects voters by promoting safe and non-intimidating voting environments.

Affects Illinois election officials and agencies (e.g., Illinois State Board of Elections) by urging them to provide guidance and educate voters about rights and protections.

The impact is declaratory and aspirational; it does not establish new state law or enforcement mechanisms.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Filed February 6, 2026, and referred to the Rules Committee; later assigned to Ethics & Elections; scheduled for consideration on the calendar.

Sponsorship/Support:

Primary sponsor: Rep. Maurice A. West II.
Chief co-sponsors added in April–May 2026: Rep. Kam Buckner, Rep. Katie Stuart; later chief co-sponsor Rep. Edgar González, Jr. (as of May 6, 2026).

Action history indicates standard steps for a resolution: committee referral, potential passage in the House, and eventual delivery to federal representatives and the Secretary of Homeland Security if adopted.

Practical implications

The resolution expresses a political stance and may influence perceptions and public messaging regarding the interaction of immigration enforcement and election administration.

It could guide Illinois election authorities in adopting or reinforcing best practices for protecting voters and communicating rights, though it does not create binding requirements or alter federal enforcement authority.

If adopted, it may inform collaboration with federal partners and encourage voter education campaigns aimed at reducing fear or confusion around elections.