SB2597 Summary

• Changes the postmark deadline for vote-by-mail ballots from midnight the day preceding election day to midnight on election day itself for military members, overseas citizens, non-resident civilians, and Armed Forces members and their families.

• Applies to five categories of voters under Illinois Election Code sections 20-2, 20-2.1, 20-2.2, 20-2.3, and 20-8.

• Ballots must still be received for counting at the central ballot counting location during the provisional ballot counting period, which ends 14 days after election day.

• Also removes language from Section 20-8(d) regarding special write-in vote-by-mail ballots postmarked "preceding the opening of the polls," replacing it with ballots postmarked by midnight on election day.

• Takes effect immediately upon becoming law.