Galesburg voters will be getting an application in the mail soon asking if they would like to receive mail-in ballots for elections on an ongoing basis.
The popularity of voting by mail has gained steam, even while there are some political elements that consider it controversial.
This follows a tweak in Illinois law that allowed voters to join a permanent mail-in voting list, as opposed to applying for a ballot every election.
The application being mailed is optional.
Someone who requests a mail-in ballot but changes their mind and wants to vote in person just has to surrender the mail-in ballot before voting in person or casting a provisional ballot.
Voters will also have to choose their political party affiliation to receive mail-in ballots for primary elections.
Until now, voters preferring mail-in ballots had to apply one election at a time. 2022 is the first year permanent Vote-By-Mail is available in Illinois by way of state law.
September 29th is the first day of Early Voting at the Galesburg Election Office for this November’s races.
