The legislation requires that all certified death records be transmitted promptly within seven days of a death by the county coroner, medical examiner, or other designated individual, ensuring that voter rolls are kept accurate and up-to-date. Additionally, county clerks and coroners are required to report quarterly on compliance with these provisions to their respective county boards, enforcing accountability in maintaining accurate voter registrations. This reinforces the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that deceased individuals are not listed as active voters.
Summary
House Bill 2176 amends the Illinois Election Code, specifically addressing the processing of voter registration cancellations for deceased individuals. This bill mandates that the county clerk in the area where a decedent last resided must issue death certifications and utilize an electronic reporting system to cancel voter registrations of persons who have died within the preceding month. The use of 'shall' in the text indicates a compulsory requirement, contrasting with the previous wording that allowed for discretion, thereby establishing a clear obligation for county clerks.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB2176 include concerns about the administrative burden placed on county offices with the added responsibilities of tracking death records and ensuring timely cancellations of voter registrations. While proponents argue that the bill strengthens election integrity and security by preventing unauthorized voting, opponents may highlight potential challenges in execution and resource allocation in smaller counties. Furthermore, the provision allowing individuals to request reports and seek legal relief for non-compliance brings additional scrutiny and could result in increased litigation against county officials.