SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A new state law will give Illinois students time to vote during the school day.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a bill on Wednesday that will allow students to vote during the school day.
Under this new law, students will have the opportunity to have two hours to cast an early ballot or vote on Election Day for primaries, general elections and special elections.
Pritzker said he supports the young people who advocated for this legislation, recognized how important it is not only to vote, but to make the act of voting as accessible for all who can vote as possible.
“With this new law, our voting-eligible young people will have the freedom to fit voting into their school day without fear of repercussion for engaging in the very civic education we should all be proud to encourage,” said Governor Pritzker.
The idea for the legislation came from Thornton Fractional High School students in Calument City Illinois, and was sponsored by Senator Elgie Sims.
“The advocacy of the students in my district convinced me I had to sponsor this legislation, and their passion helped get it over the finish line,” said Senator Sims.
Senate Bill 1970 will take effect June 1, 2020.
