Illinois Senate Bill SB0314

Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/23
• Refer: 2/2/23
• Refer: 2/7/23
• Refer: 3/31/23

Caption

FAITHFUL PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS

Impact

The bill modifies existing provisions in Illinois law concerning the selection and duties of presidential electors. Under the new provisions, political parties must submit both elector and alternate elector nominees to the Secretary of State. Furthermore, all nominees are required to pledge to vote for the president and vice president candidates of their respective parties. This movement towards formalized pledges could significantly influence the behavior of electors, holding them accountable to their political parties, which could affect the dynamics of party loyalty during presidential elections.

Summary

SB0314, introduced by Senator Laura M. Murphy in the Illinois General Assembly, establishes the Uniform Faithful Presidential Electors Act. This legislation aims to streamline the process for presidential electors by creating specific provisions regarding how electors are selected and the obligations they must fulfill. It introduces a framework for appointing alternate electors in cases where positions become vacant, ensuring continuity in the electoral process. This act replaces existing procedures in the Election Code and introduces stricter requirements for electors to comply with their pledges to vote for their party's nominees.

Contention

Points of contention regarding SB0314 center around the implications of enforcing pledges on electors. Opponents could argue that mandating electors to be bound to their party's nominees undermines the independent judgment of electors in the Electoral College, which has traditionally been viewed as a mechanism allowing electors to make a decision based on the broader welfare. In contrast, supporters assert that this consolidation of party allegiance strengthens electoral integrity by preventing rogue electors from deviating from their duties and responsibilities. The discussions surrounding the balance between party fidelity and individual discretion are likely to continue as the bill progresses.