Racial Equity Concerns with Vote Center Proposals

Last week, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights submitted testimony to the Illinois House Ethics and Elections Committee regarding House Bill 4838, a bill establishing a vote center pilot program.  As outlined in the testimony, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee regularly hears from voters who are concerned about attempts to minimize or eliminate the use of precinct-based or neighborhood polling locations.  Especially given the current grave threats to voting rights for people of color, voters are understandably concerned about any reduction and consolidation of polling places.  Before the Illinois General Assembly drastically alters voters’ access options, it is crucial for lawmakers to consider racial equity concerns, add specific safeguards to avoid disenfranchisement, and engage in a robust community engagement process with the voters of Illinois. 

 Illinois voters have insisted time and time again on the importance of a menu of options of how, when, and where they can register and vote.  This is the time to increase voting options and opportunities for civic participation, not take them away.