Challenge to Illinois mail-in voting threatens state's just election process
As our nation grapples with a constant barrage of federal edicts and executive orders, it’s a good time for Illinois residents to consider the protections we enjoy under our state laws.
As clerk, I manage the largest election jurisdiction in Illinois with more than 1.6 million registered voters in suburban Cook County. When it comes to the laws governing the administration of elections in our state, there are many reasons to be confident.
Illinois election laws and procedures play a critical role in shaping our democratic process, and they ensure elections are conducted fairly, transparently and efficiently. Whether it is expanded early voting, voting on Election Day or voting by mail, the options for voters to cast their ballot are plentiful.
In Cook County, we offer expanded early voting at more than 50 sites, and voters can register to vote online or in person at any early voting location. We also offer ballots in 12 languages to allow voters to cast their ballots in the language of their choice to serve our culturally diverse communities.
Recent federal actions have raised serious concerns about infringements on state authority in managing elections, prompting legal challenges and legislative pushback.
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court announced it would hear arguments in a case that challenges the Illinois law allowing valid mail-in ballots received within 14 days after Election Day to be counted.
The justices will hear arguments over whether downstate Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., and two former presidential electors have the legal right or standing to sue over the law in federal court. This represents a threat to the availability of mail-in voting in our state.
Despite what is being alleged, mail-in voting is reliable and secure, and it is a particularly helpful voting tool for seniors, the disabled and military personnel serving away from home.
The clerk’s office and election authorities across our state employ a vigorous process to ensure accuracy and integrity at every level of the mail ballot process. Mail-in ballots include security features such as signature verification, bar codes and tracking systems that ensure accuracy and prevent fraud.
As our nation reels in the wake of chaos and misinformation, Illinois voters can have confidence when it comes to our state’s voting laws. When it comes to voting in Illinois, we cast a wide net — and our democracy is all the better for it.
Monica Gordon, Cook County clerk
IRS mess
The recent IRS court filing moves this country one step closer to a religious theocracy. Now religious leaders can inject themselves into politics by supporting political candidates without losing their tax-exempt status.
I do not care what a particular religion wants to tell their followers regarding political beliefs. That is up to each individual religion and their congregation.
But when a church decides to enter into politics by claiming its religion requires the endorsement of certain candidates and therefore its followers need to vote a certain way, that church should be treated no differently than any other entity that endorses political candidates.
To claim that removing a tax-exempt status interferes with a church’s freedom of religion and expression is a facade. The church can say what it wants. Removing their tax-exempt status does not restrict what they can say or what their followers must believe in. It just requires that all who decide to get involved in politics are subject to the same requirements.
Peter Felitti, Ravenswood
Bandstand’s restoration welcome news
It is such good news the bandstand at Garfield Park is being restored! My first glimpse of it was at least 30 years ago. I happened upon it, and it was being used for two things: taxicab drivers taking a break and men playing chess, with many boards set up. It was almost surreal.
This obviously magnificent structure, though in a state of extreme disrepair, was still exerting a pull with its grandeur that drew people to it, albeit for very different uses. One more jewel for the Chicago Park District.
Marjorie Isaacson, West Town
Blessings to all
When I drove around the Chicago area before the Fourth of July, I saw many signs that read, "God Bless America." As a proud American, I agree. But with the sad conditions of the world, it would be more appropriate to say "God Bless This World."
Joseph Battaglia, Clearing
More compassion, please
How refreshing to read the story about Earl Abernathy rescuing a baby strapped in a car seat after the 7-month-old had been left outside a church on a very hot day. No water, no milk. We need more good Samaritans like Earl.
Virginia Dare McGraw, Naperville
Hungry for news and social contact
My family’s newsstand in Edison Park, a fixture in the neighborhood for 82 years, closed two weeks ago. Kaage Newsstand was a throwback to another era. Nowadays, when people get their news online, loyal customers remained, because they got something else at the newsstand: connection.
It was nice to see so many people, some traveling from out of state, come to honor the importance of relationships. Many thanks from the family for the Sun-Times' Extra! Extra! effort.
Irvin Kaage III, Park Ridge
‘Liberals’ sick from MAGA allergies
After reading the op-ed on international students by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign professor Philip Phillips and multiple letters to the editor, it is quite apparent that many liberals suffer from 'Trump Derangement Syndrome.' Their anger toward the president and Republicans is quite evident and probably not mentally healthy. I’m sure they are very miserable people.
I write this knowing the Sun-Times won’t publish this letter, as it seldom prints letters that criticize its beliefs.
Joe Revane, Lombard