Election Day registration goes to Quinn

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois legislature has approved a plan to allow Election Day voter registration this year.

The proposal by Democratic House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie was approved Friday, 64-41.

The law would extend in-person early voting hours and allow voters to register on Election Day. It would also remove identification requirements for in-person early voting and allow public universities to serve as locations for Election Day in-person absentee voting.

The changes would be in effect only for the November election.

Advocates say it would help register voters who were turned away in past elections. But Republicans say the move is an attempt to drive Democratic turnout in a close, nationally watched governor race.

The measure goes to Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn for his signature.