SPRINGFIELD – Legislation co-sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) that would allow school districts to conduct district wide e-learning days when schools are used as polling places passed the Senate Monday.

“This legislation empowers both our schools and our democracy,” Koehler said. “Students will not have to sacrifice education when school buildings must be closed for use as polling places, and our polling places will, in turn be more accessible.”

The legislation allows for school districts to conduct district wide e-learning days when schools are used as polling places. If a school district elects to use e-learning days, all contractors who provide education support services to the district would receive regular rate of pay or billings.

“Here in Tazewell County, we’ve already been working with our school districts on moving polling places back into schools,” Tazewell County Clerk, John Ackerman, said. “This legislation not only will improve our ADA compliance, but it will also save taxpayers over $30,000 each election when implemented by consolidating the resources necessary at polling places. I deeply appreciated Senator Koehler’s leadership on moving this legislation, and his decision to make it a priority during a busy legislative session.”

House Bill 4 passed the Senate with 57 votes.

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