SB1529 Summary

• Creates online voter registration system allowing Illinois residents with valid driver's licenses or state IDs to register electronically through the State Board of Elections website, with cross-referencing to Secretary of State database for verification.

• Permits digitized signatures on voter registration forms and election documents as alternative to ink signatures, and allows election authorities to maintain voter registration records in digital format with off-site backup systems.

• Establishes ERIC Operations Trust Fund as non-appropriated fund to be financed by private donations and General Assembly appropriations, used solely for costs related to participation in the Electronic Registration Information Center.

• Modifies mail-in ballot deadlines and introduces intelligent mail barcode tracking system as alternative to postmarks for determining whether ballots were mailed by election day.

• Changes voter registration deadlines, including allowing applications up to the 16th day before an election online, and implements automatic voter registration transfers based on National Change of Address database cross-referencing.