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Lake County Seeks to Create Equity in Election Law for Military Voters

Under the State of Illinois' election code, voters who are in the military and mail in their ballots are required to have them postmarked one day before all other voters. Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor and Lake County Clerk Carla Wyckoff are urging state lawmakers to amend this legislation to create equity in the election code for military voters.

"The men and women who wear our country's uniform deserve the same opportunities to vote that everyday citizens receive," said Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor. "While I don't think the General Assembly intended to create this inequity for our military men and women, it is important that they amend our election laws so vote-by-mail deadlines are the same for everyone."

Under the State of Illinois' current election code, members of the United States military who wish to vote in any election and are absent from the county in which they reside must have their vote-by-mail ballot postmarked no later than midnight preceding Election Day. This deadline is inconsistent with other vote-by-mail sections of the election code, where the postmark deadline is midnight on Election Day.

Lake County Clerk Carla Wyckoff said, "The election law is complex therefore consistency and equality are essential. It is our goal to make sure voters understand their voting rights and take advantage of every opportunity to vote. When there are inconsistencies, it makes it much more challenging. I am grateful for the outstanding team at the Lake County Clerk's Office who found the inconsistency."

This initiative is included in the Lake County 2016 Legislative Program. Each year, the Lake County Board identifies initiatives and programs for local legislators to consider sponsoring during the legislative session.

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