CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) celebrated a historic election package that expands the state’s vote by mail program for the 2020 General Election.

“Access to the ballot is a fundamental right,” Villanueva said. “Expanding vote by mail will allow voters to participate in our democracy while taking necessary precautions during this public health crisis.”

Senate Bill 1863 will send anyone who voted in the past two years an application to vote by mail. Voters who aren’t sent an application will be able to apply to vote by mail online. Election Day of this year will also be made a state holiday so schools can be used as polling places without putting students at increased risk for COVID-19. All provisions in this legislation apply to the 2020 General Election only.

“I am confident that this pilot program will show how safe and efficient voting by mail is,” Villanueva said. “I look forward to making this expansion a permanent part of how we vote in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 1863 was signed into law on Tuesday and is effective immediately.