As election offices struggle to staff the polls this year out of safety concerns, Illinois voters will be able to weigh in on a measure that would increase penalties for anyone who interferes with election workers’ duties.
The “stolen election” lie from Donald Trump and his supporters has meant that in swing states across the country, election officials are quitting or retiring after facing an onslaught of threats and harassment. Several states will now have ballot measures that look to crack down on illegal and fraudulent voting (even though illegal voting is very rare). But Illinois is the only state that’s asking voters if candidates who “interfere” with official elections should be punished and held responsible.
The measure is a nonbinding “advisory” measure — one of three on this year’s state ballot — but it would help state lawmakers decide if they should move forward with legislation in the future.