Senator Jim Oberweis says he did not support an election “reform” omnibus bill approved by a strict 37-19 party-line vote May 22, because it opens wide a door to election fraud that will nullify the legitimate votes of registered voters in Illinois.
“I believe that both Republicans and Democrats want wide voter participation among eligible voters. I also believe that neither Republicans nor Democrats support voter fraud. Unfortunately, our two parties have quite different views on how to get maximum voter turnout with minimum voter fraud,” Senator Oberweis said.
Senate Bill 1863 adds a new article to the Election Code to govern the conduct of the 2020 General Election. Among its provisions:
• Vote-by-mail applications will be sent to all who applied for a ballot in the 2018 general, the 2019 consolidates, or the 2020 primary.
• Voter registration and change of registration will include ability to request a vote by mail ballot.
• A special panel of three election judges (no more than two from same political party) to conduct a signature review of ballots submitted by mail.
• People who are age 16 and older may be appointed an election judge.
• Early voting hours will be extended in the 15 days before the election.
• Curb-side voting will be allowed.
• Vote-by-mail ballots can be returned by mail or to a secure postage-free drop box.
“Given the rich history of Illinois’ election antics, it is ironic that we are being told by the sponsors of Senate Bill 1863 to not worry and that everything will be OK. Illinois is infamous for its tales of voter fraud, of ballots being cast by people who have either died or moved but have not yet been purged from the voter rolls. Our state’s ‘vote early and vote often’ mindset is legendary, and this legislation codifies that mindset by statute,” Oberweis said. “What a disgrace.”
Earlier this week, the 25th District Senator had also suggested a cost-saving measure be added to Senate Bill 1863, but sponsors would not allow it.
“And if we are going to mail our ballot applications to those who voted the last three years, why not include it with the Constitutional Amendment information that the state is required to send to all voters? That would save taxpayers millions of dollars,” he said. “Republicans want to get ballot applications to ALL eligible voters, not just those who voted in the last three years. What are the Democrats afraid of?”