Legislators are responding to Tuesday’s signing of measures that expand vote-by-mail and other voting options in the State of Illinois.

As WSPY reported, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced that under the new law, local election offices must mail or email vote by mail ballot applications and the VBM timeline to voters who cast a ballot in the 2018 general election, the 2019 consolidated election or the 2020 general primary election, including voters who registered or changed addresses after the primary election.

When the measures went through the legislature, much of the discussion was along party lines.

Locally, that was also the case. For the Senate bill, Democrats like Sens. Linda Holmes of Aurora and Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant of Plainfield voted in favor.

Sen. Holmes, who is Assistant Majority Leader and Senate Democratic Women’s Caucus Chairwoman, commented that the state just marked the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote, which boosted participation in elections.

She said, "now if we can provide safety and comfort to anyone with an at-risk condition to be able to vote by mail, it will be another step forward in increasing voter turnout so everyone can make their voice heard."

Republicans like Sens. Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove, and Sue Rezin of Morris voted against.

Rezin spoke about her dissent on Wednesday.

It has been mentioned that grants may be able to help offset some of the additional costs.

On Tuesday, Governor Pritzker applauded legislative leaders and crafters of the legislation which he says, "will ensure safe and active participation in the 2020 general election during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic."

Democratic Sen. Julie Morrison of Deerfield was one of them.

As reported, election authorities will be required to appoint a bipartisan panel of three election judges to verify voters’ signature and the validity of the ballot. Currently, only a single election judge makes the determination.

Gov. Pritzker’s office also said things like expanded early voting hours and times will be established, curb-side voting will be added, and local election authorities will be required to establish a central voting site where anyone who lives in the jurisdiction can vote, regardless of their precinct.

Election Day is also a holiday.