Voter Rights Amendment To Appear On Ballot
From the Associated Press
Illinois voters will consider a constitutional amendment this fall aimed at scuttling attempts at voter suppression after Senate action Thursday.
The Senate voted 52-0 to approve the idea brought forth by House Speaker Michael Madigan, a powerful Democrat concerned about other states' actions to add requirements for voting or limit when it's done.
The House endorsed the measure 107-5 on Tuesday after the Republican leader, Jim Durkin of Western Springs, signed on with Madigan as a co-sponsor.
The proposed amendment prevents people from being denied the right to register to vote or cast a ballot based on race, color, ethnicity, status as a member of a language minority, sex, sexual orientation, or income.
Sen. Matt Murphy, a Palatine Republican, said the proposal recognizes "the fundamental, quintessentially American concept of the right to vote."
"This will send a message loud and clear that it doesn't matter what your surname is, if you have earned the right to vote you will not be impeded," Murphy said.
Read more in our daily News Update...
From the Associated Press
Illinois voters will consider a constitutional amendment this fall aimed at scuttling attempts at voter suppression after Senate action Thursday.
The Senate voted 52-0 to approve the idea brought forth by House Speaker Michael Madigan, a powerful Democrat concerned about other states' actions to add requirements for voting or limit when it's done.
The House endorsed the measure 107-5 on Tuesday after the Republican leader, Jim Durkin of Western Springs, signed on with Madigan as a co-sponsor.
The proposed amendment prevents people from being denied the right to register to vote or cast a ballot based on race, color, ethnicity, status as a member of a language minority, sex, sexual orientation, or income.
Sen. Matt Murphy, a Palatine Republican, said the proposal recognizes "the fundamental, quintessentially American concept of the right to vote."
"This will send a message loud and clear that it doesn't matter what your surname is, if you have earned the right to vote you will not be impeded," Murphy said.
Read more in our daily News Update...