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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

Illinois Lawmakers Pass Same-Day Voter Registration

Flickr user / kristin_a (Meringue Bake Shop) "Vote!" (CC BY 2.0)

The Illinois General Assembly voted to make same-day voter registration a permanent feature of state elections. 

Democrats allowed it for the first time in this year’s election. As with most changes to election law, there was a fierce debate. Republicans charged Democrats rushed it through and the changes open the door to voter fraud.

But Barbara Flynn Currie, the Democratic Majority Leader, says that’s not true.

“If there’s voter fraud, the state’s attorneys ought to be out there prosecuting it. But the studies show us that it is not a major issue in the country. Voter fraud is way down from what it might have been in the '70s, ’60s and the ’50s."

The legislation passed the House and Senate and now goes to the governor.

The House permanently adjourned until new lawmakers are sworn in January 14th. That means there is no lame duck session. 

Brian Mackey formerly reported on state government and politics for NPR Illinois and a dozen other public radio stations across the state. Before that, he was A&E editor at The State Journal-Register and Statehouse bureau chief for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.