April 10, 2018
FROM:
Bonnie Cox, President
Hilary Denk and Heather Cunningham, Issues Co-Chairs
Janet Kittlaus, Issues Specialist
RE: File a Witness Slip for Voter Access and Education
ACTION NEEDED:
File a witness slip by Wednesday, April 11, in support of HB4469. This bill provides a framework to help pre-trial detainees in Illinois exercise their right to vote. It also provides voter education resources to people with a prior conviction, so they may re-engage fully with civic life. You can find more information about HB4469 from the fact sheet HERE.
How to file a Witness Slip:
WHY IT MATTERS
As stated in our Impact on Issues, "The right of every citizen to vote has been a basic League principle since its origin." (p.11) HB4469 would help all eligible voters in Illinois fully exercise this fundamental right. Further, research indicates that re-enfranchising people with criminal convictions reduces recidivism. HB4469 builds on the positive results of similar measures in several counties, to make sure that all eligible citizens who want to vote get to vote.
An Illinois House committee will consider HB4469 during a hearing on Wednesday, April 11, at 12:00 pm. Please fill out your witness slip before that time.
Please also contact your state legislators and ask them to support HB4469. Find contact information for your state legislators at http://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/
|
