IL SB1253

Extends the early voting period for permanent polling places from beginning on the 15th day before an election to the 22nd day before an election.

Changes the hours requirement beginning 11 days before election day (instead of 8 days) to extend closing time from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for the 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. option, and makes these hours apply everyday rather than specifying separate Saturday and Sunday hours.

Increases the minimum total hours designated polling places must remain open on the final weekend during early voting from 14 hours to 16 hours.

Allows election authorities to close early voting locations only when the building has been closed by the State or local government due to severe weather emergency or other force majeure, with required notification to the State Board of Elections and public notice of alternative locations.

Effective immediately upon becoming law.