Illinois
Illinois proposal calls for expanding vote-by-mail
As the 2024 election season draws near, voters in Illinois will once again choose whether they want to cast their ballots in person or by mail.
But one lawmaker is proposing a bill in the Illinois House that could make that decision a lot easier, making voting by mail the default option for people in counties and cities that choose to go that route.
State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, said voting by mail has been shown to be a more convenient and efficient way of running elections.
“Vote-by-mail has been proven by way of court order, as well as people’s utilization of vote-by-mail – I vote by mail – that it has been safe,” she said during an interview. “There have been no problems. I have not missed a single election. And people who use it increase their voter participation.”
Voting by mail, often referred to as absentee voting, was originally intended for people who planned to be away from home on Election Day, particularly military personnel, as well as college students and people whose jobs required them to travel. That often required voters to ask their state or local election official for an absentee ballot and, in some cases, explain why they wanted to vote by mail.
In more recent years, Illinois and other states have made voting by mail an option for anyone by adopting “no-excuse” absentee voting laws, meaning anyone could request a mail ballot without giving a reason.
Illinois also gives voters the option of asking to be placed on a permanent vote-by-mail list so they can automatically receive a mail-in ballot without having to fill out a new request for one each election cycle.
And in 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the General Assembly passed a law requiring local election officials automatically send vote-by-mail applications to every voter in their jurisdiction, instead of requiring voters to ask for one.
During a special meeting of the House Ethics and Elections Committee Wednesday in her hometown of Urbana, Ammons said voting by mail has become increasingly popular. But she said the multi-step process of voting by mail is still inefficient because it requires voters to fill out and send in a vote-by-mail application to receive a ballot.
“But when we went back to look at the utilization of the ballots, the number that came back, and the cost associated with mailing a ballot, we realized as we talked to other jurisdictions that you would actually save the money if you simply mailed them the ballot,” she said.
Ammons is the sponsor of House Bill 4198, which would allow county clerks and other local election authorities to make voting by mail the default option in their jurisdiction. It would give them the option of mailing ballots to all registered voters in their jurisdiction, without requiring voters to ask for one. But it would still require local election authorities to offer in-person voting as well for those who prefer to cast their ballot in person.
Currently, eight states and Washington, D.C., operate elections almost entirely by mail. William Cavecche, an election administrator in King County, Washington, which includes the city of Seattle, said that state passed a similar law in 2005 and immediately, two-thirds of the counties in the state shifted to vote-by-mail systems.
“Speaking to someone who has run both polling-place elections and vote-by-mail elections, I can tell you from experience that vote by mail elections are significantly easier to administer,” he said.
Among other benefits, Cavecche said, in a vote-by-mail election, there is no need to worry about problems that commonly occur at in-person polling places such as running out of ballots, voting machines breaking down or poll workers failing to show up.
He also said vote-by-mail elections are more secure because all ballots can be counted in a centralized location. He said ballot counting can also be livestreamed on the internet to provide more public transparency.
Wednesday’s meeting was a subject matter hearing, meaning the committee only heard testimony and did not take action on the bill. But Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, who chairs the panel, said he intends to hold additional hearings during the upcoming legislative session, which begins Tuesday, and it’s possible lawmakers could vote on the measure in time to take effect for the 2024 general election in November.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.
One person was injured this weekend in a townhome fire in the southwest Chicago suburb of Orland Park, which officials said may have been exacerbated by hoarding.
The Orland Fire Protection District was called Saturday afternoon for the fire in a two-story, four-unit townhome complex the 9100 block of Greencastle Lane in Orland Park. Firefighters arrived at 1:43 p.m.
There was no obvious evidence that the townhouse complex was on fire when firefighters arrived, but they later found a basement fire involving the end unit of the complex, the district said.
All occupants were evacuated from the attached townhouses as firefighters went in. They entered the front door with a hose, but found “mounds of obstacles” in the way, the district said.
Fire crews found what were believed to be heavy hoarding conditions obstructing the path to the basement, the district said. Multiple crews had to come in to clear everything out of the way to get to the fire.
One homeowner was treated for a minor head injury, but declined to go to the hospital, the district said.
The cause of the fire was under investigation Sunday.
The Illinois Attorney General is suing a suburban McDonald’s restaurant, accusing the operator of overworking teens, some for 17 hours straight.
The lawsuit alleges the Lockport location owned by Nicholas J. Kory and Lockor LLC violated 568 Illinois Child Labor Laws in 2023.
The restaurant allegedly worked children aged 14 and 15 years old for longer than 8 hours without rest and meal breaks. One minor worked until 1:30 a.m.
The Illinois Department of Labor is seeking over $2.1 million for victims, which the company has not paid.
In a statement, the local owner said, “We are committed to ensuring that all our employees feel safe, respected, and valued. We have taken steps to address concerns that have been raised.”
The best towns in Illinois for a weekend retreat welcome visitors with some of the best wines in the state and local festivals that celebrate everything from Groundhog Day to European heritage. If you’re a history buff, you can explore a Dutch windmill in Fulton or a Viking ship in Geneva. If you are a nature enthusiast, Ottawa and Makanda have you covered with the sandstone canyons of Starved Rock State Park and the forested trails of Giant City State Park in the Shawnee National Forest.
Galena
Galena, located near the Mississippi River at the borders of Iowa and Wisconsin, attracts visitors with a variety of offerings. The Dowling House, constructed in 1826, offers insight into the 19th-century lifestyles and trades of Galena’s residents. The Ulysses S. Grant Home was presented to Grant by the locals in appreciation for his service as both president and general during the American Civil War. From the summit of Horseshoe Mound and other ceremonial mounds at Casper Bluff, you can enjoy stunning views of three different states, or take in the sights from above during the Great Galena Balloon Race in the summer. Don’t miss the Galena General’s Parade on St. Patrick’s Day, a cherished local event. For those interested in experiencing Galena’s charming designs, consider reserving a room at the Hotel Galena.
Princeton
Princeton offers the ambiance of a vibrant city within a quaint town setting. With attractions like the stunning Hornbaker Gardens and the Barn Quilts of Bureau County, its agricultural and horticultural ties have helped the town flourish into a lively and impressive community. It also holds a strong sense of patriotism, showcased by its four Flags of Freedom, honoring the sacrifices made by many military personnel. Visitors from Chicago, Quincy, and Burlington frequently arrive via Princeton’s Amtrak Train Station, a key transportation hub connecting larger cities in Illinois and beyond. Explore historic residences such as the Owen Lovejoy House or enjoy Festival 56, featuring a variety of Broadway and Shakespeare-inspired performances by the Princeton Theatre Group. Celebrated for its charm, Princeton offers delightful accommodations like the Historic Knox Hotel for an even more memorable stay.
Woodstock
About 50 miles from Chicago lies the charming small town of Woodstock, known for its role as the filming location for the iconic time-loop movie, Groundhog Day. While the film refers to it as Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the actual scenes were shot in Woodstock’s quaint town square and its historic Opera House. Every February 2, the locals celebrate the Groundhog Day festival, focusing not on the movie but on the critter itself that announces the arrival of spring. They also partake in the Lighting of the Square at Thanksgiving. If you’re looking to experience life free from the burdens of the past and without fear of the future, consider staying at places like the Cherry Tree Inn B&B.
Fulton
Fulton is filled with attractions and elements that harken back to the European country of the Netherlands. Highlights include the iconic De Immigrant Windmill and the Dutch Days celebration that takes place on the first weekend of May. This charming town, situated on the Mississippi River and approximately 50 miles from Galena, truly reflects the essence of a vibrant European nation. In addition to its Dutch cultural heritage, Fulton is surrounded by several attractions, including Heritage Canyon, where visitors can explore limestone mines dating back to the 1800s, appealing to those interested in geology. The Andresen Nature Center, meanwhile, is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the local wildlife in the Fulton area. For accommodations during your visit, consider the delightful AmericInn Hotel & Suites or the Wild Rose Casino & Resort located nearby in Clinton.
Nauvoo
Nauvoo embodies the long-held dream of settlers seeking a homestead. This charming riverside destination along the Mississippi River has been home to the Sauk and Fox Native Americans, as well as Mormon and Icarian immigrants from various states and Germany. Just across the river, visitors can explore the historic grounds of Fort Madison, while the Joseph Smith Historic Site highlights the Latter-Day Saint movement that took place in Nauvoo during the early 1840s. The Rheinberger House Museum is filled with fascinating artifacts, and Jonathan Browning’s workshop showcases a collection of historic Browning firearms. For those intrigued by inventions, the Webb Blacksmith Shop features a replica of a traditional smithy. When it comes to accommodations, Hotel Nauvoo, the Inn at Old Nauvoo, and Nauvoo Vacation Villas offer excellent options.
Ottawa
Ottawa is a hidden gem and a perfect getaway just 80 miles from Chicago, offering a wealth of delightful attractions and recreational spaces for relaxation and enjoyment. With numerous engaging parks and preserves, including Dayton Bluffs Preserve, Buffalo Rock State Park, and Starved Rock State Park, you’ll find plenty of options to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. For those seeking a real adventure, Skydive Chicago provides a breathtaking aerial view of Illinois as you leap and float back down to earth. If you’d rather stay grounded, consider visiting the Reddick Mansion, once the residence of Illinois State Senator William Reddick. Plus, you won’t have to worry about where to stay, as Heritage Harbor and other accommodations will ensure a comfortable and convenient home base.
Arcola
Arcola, situated along the Okaw River and approximately an hour and a half from Springfield, was originally called Bagdad in the mid-1800s before undergoing a name change a few years later. Today, the town exudes a distinct artistic charm, showcased by its 15 Walldog murals that illustrate various periods of the town’s history. For many years, Arcola has been a key stop on the Central Railroad and a leading producer of broomcorn, which is celebrated every September during the Broomcorn Festival. There’s much more to discover in Arcola, so consider staying at cozy places like the Arcola Inn or Quality Inn.
Geneva
The town of Geneva is about 45 miles west of Chicago, and features a charming Dutch windmill at the Fabyan Forest Preserve and even more delightful attractions at Island Park. The Geneva History Museum offers insights into the town’s early history, while the Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Garden highlights both cultural and botanical treasures from Asia. You can also discover stunning plants at City Hall’s Prairie Garden or take a look at a Viking ship from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. If you’re visiting in June, make sure to check out the annual Swedish Days Festival. From July to August, there are Classic Car Shows, and the Geneva Arts Fair takes place each July. You’ll feel right at home in Geneva, especially when you relax and dine at welcoming spots like the Herrington Inn & Spa.
Alton
Alton left its mark when Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas held their final debate during the 1858 Illinois senatorial campaign. It is also notable for being the childhood home of famous jazz musician Miles Davis and the world’s tallest man, Robert Wadlow. For those interested in the paranormal, Alton boasts some of the most haunted places in Illinois, with eerie vibes found in McPike Mansion, Mineral Springs Hotel, The First Unitarian Church, and Milton School. Beyond its ghostly reputation, Alton is a strong supporter of local arts, showcased by the Alton Little Theater, the Alton Museum of History and Art, the Jacoby Arts Center, and the Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument. If you’re looking for an elegant stay in a historic home, consider booking a night at the Beall Mansion.
Makanda
The village of Makanda, whose name has historically evolved from Markanda, Markands, and Markauda to its current form, honoring a Native American chief, is a picturesque hamlet almost reminiscent of a fairytale. Yet, Makanda is indeed a real location, boasting numerous remarkable attractions in the Shawnee National Forest. Visitors can truly enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Giant City State Park by exploring various notable paths, including the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, the Stonefort Nature Trail, and the River to River Trail. In October, Makanda kicks off Vulture Fest, which celebrates the arrival of autumn with the migration of vultures. Whether you indulge in the delightful wines from Blue Sky Vineyard or take a refreshing dip in Cedar Lake, you’re sure to have a memorable experience. And when you’re ready to relax after all your adventures, you can unwind in the cozy accommodations at the Makanda Inn.
Sycamore
Sycamore trees are awe-inspiring and carry deep significance for many around the globe. Just 60 miles from Chicago lies the quaint town of Sycamore. Embrace the town’s quirky charm by attending one of its annual events, such as Witches Night Out in October. Enjoy laid-back picnics at Sycamore Lake Rotary Park, and discover fascinating insights into the town’s history at the DeKalb County History Center or the Blue Moon Bikes Vintage Sting Ray Museum. For a comfortable stay right in the midst of it all, consider the Country Inn & Suites, which offers all the comforts of home.
Illinois is home to a wide array of small towns perfect for a weekend getaway. With festivals, historic landmarks, wineries, and an abundance of natural wonders, there is no shortage of activities and attractions to fill a few leisurely days. Explore windmills and Viking ships, tour a haunted hotel, or simply stroll the streets and see what adventures unfold in these welcoming retreats.
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