As someone who has worked to expand access to vote by mail, strengthen campus voting and engage young voters across Illinois, I know how critical it is to make sure every eligible voice is heard in our democracy. That’s why I’m excited that the Illinois House Elections and Ethics Committee is holding a hearing Wednesday on House Bill 2718, proposed by state Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford. This groundbreaking legislation would fulfill our state constitution’s mandate to facilitate voting by all by treating voting like jury duty, a civic responsibility required of every citizen.

At a time when democracy is under attack, it is inspiring to see Illinois consider a deeper commitment to government of, by, and for the people. About two dozen countries, including Australia and Mexico, already require voting in general elections, and their turnout is significantly higher than ours. Expanding participation strengthens legitimacy, because our democracy works best when everyone is included.

Importantly, HB 2718 does not impose fines or fees for those who don’t vote, and it creates no new burdens for election administrators. But even without enforcement, research and experience show that most people comply with the law simply because it’s the law. If voting is a civic requirement, more people will cast a ballot.

Illinois has always been a leader in protecting and expanding voting rights — from vote by mail to campus access. Passing HB 2718 would be the next step in ensuring that our elections reflect the voices of all people in our state.

Julia Warheit, policy manager, Citizen Action/Illinois, Lincoln Park

Delivering cleaner, affordable energy

If you’ve scorched your feet on hot sand, dug your fingers into cool soil or enjoyed the warmth of the sun, then you’ve experienced thermal energy. Thermal energy is everywhere, and Illinois can harness this energy to efficiently and economically heat and cool neighborhoods by passing the Thermal Energy Networks and Jobs Act — Senate Bill 2258 and House Bill 3609.

Supported by labor, consumer advocacy and environmental organizations, the legislation would enable Illinois utilities to pilot one to three thermal energy network projects within its service territories. By passing the act, Illinois can encourage development of these projects, which connect heat pumps in homes and buildings to an underground network of water-filled pipes.

Thermal energy networks enable buildings to exchange heat with nearby thermal energy sources, including lakes or the stable temperature of the earth. These neighborhood-scale networks are up to six times more efficient than the best gas furnaces. And unlike gas furnaces, thermal energy networks reduce health-harming air pollution and cool buildings.

Importantly, thermal energy networks guarantee that selected households would not pay more for heating and cooling than they already do. It’s likely, however, that thermal energy networks stabilize, if not lower, energy bills by protecting customers from volatile fossil fuel prices. Because of their superior energy efficiency, thermal energy networks require less electricity to operate, helping utilities avoid electrical upgrades that are usually billed to ratepayers. This exceptional efficiency can also reduce strain on the grid during peak demand periods.

Heating homes with thermal energy networks can also slash the release of health-harming air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides that lead to the formation of smog. Breathing in smog is unhealthy for everyone, but is especially harmful for children and the elderly, as it can worsen respiratory illnesses like asthma.

Deployment of thermal energy networks in Illinois will create jobs for union workers with pipefitting, drilling and infrastructure installation skills. Union workers use these skills when they replace and maintain gas pipelines, making them transferable to the construction and maintenance of thermal energy networks. That is why the legislation is supported by groups like the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, Iliinois AFL-CIO, Climate Jobs Illinois and International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150. .

Affordable energy, cleaner air and family-sustaining union jobs are some of the benefits that make thermal energy networks popular across the country. It’s time to pass the Thermal Energy Networks and Jobs Act and bring these benefits to Illinois.

Yami Newell , Illinois state manager, Building Decarbonization Coalition

Governors protecting abortion rights

Thank you for reminding Sun-Times readers via Jim Edgar’s obituary and Rich Miller’s column that past Illinois Republican governors ran for election as pro-choice candidates. Governors Jim Thompson, Edgar and Ryan each vetoed efforts of the General Assembly to restrict access to Medicaid funding for low-income women’s abortions.

They all thought it was cruel and unjust to deny low-income women access to essential health care that is abortion. Fortunately, every governor since Thompson, Edgar and Ryan has ensured access to Medicaid funded abortion care in Illinois.

Terry Cosgrove, Edgewater

Photo opportunity to inform

Sun-Times photographer Ashlee Rezin deserves a “Photo of the Year” award for her picture capturing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent tear-gassing the Rev. David Black at the Broadview ICE facility last week. That was a very brave things to do.

I am so, so, grateful that we have journalists willing to put themselves in danger to tell and show us what is happening. Brave people must stand up to government forces to protect our rights. Sadly, risking injury and arrest is not what we thought we’d need to do.

Carmel Callobre, Skokie

ICE ads out of left field

The excellent article in Friday’s Sun-Times, “ICE targets Chicago police in recruitment advertising campaign,” left out one significant fact. In addition to the various networks, sites and streaming platforms mentioned that are running the current ICE commercial, the article left out that the ads are running on Marquee Sports Network during Cubs game.

Is anyone surprised that this cruel, hyperaggressive administration is even intruding with their lies on our enjoyment of the national pastime?

Chet Alexander, Alsip