Illinois mail in ballot requests pass 1 million and counting

CHICAGO (AP) — More than 1 million Illinoisans have applied to vote by mail for the November election, roughly triple the number of the last presidential contest in 2016.

The record number during the pandemic has left election officials scrambling to adjust and some voters worried about the process. Meanwhile, a partisan battle over the practice is unfolding in the courts weeks before the first ballots go out.

Here’s a closer look:

A SURGE OF INTEREST

Amber Drea, a suburban Chicago parent and freelance writer, plans to mail vote for the first time. The 42-year-old wants to avoid Election Day crowds because her son has health issues that put him at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

“We are trying our hardest to stay away from people as much as possible,” she said. “Whenever there is a way, we will do that instead.”

She's among the roughly 1.3 million Illinoisans who've requested mail ballots so far, according to the State Board Elections. Voters have until Oct. 29 to request mail ballots, but election and U.S. Postal Service officials recommend voters act earlier for ample time to receive and mail ballots.

Still, the numbers have already eclipsed years past, a trend that's expected nationwide. In 2016, there were 427,993 requested mail ballots and 222,055 in 2012, according to the elections board.

Interest in mail voting has steadily grown since 2010, the first year Illinois made it available for all voters without having to provide a reason. More than 30 states have “no excuse” absentee voting.

This year’s spike follows a law expanding mail voting, which Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed in July to address coronavirus concerns. Among other things, the law makes Election Day a holiday for schools and government employees and requires that anyone...