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. That’s roughly triple the number of the last presidential election in 2016. The record number during the coronavirus pandemic has left election officials scrambling to adjust, with some hiring more staff.

Some voters are also worried about the process with reports of mail delays and drop boxes not available in all parts of the state.

Meanwhile, a partisan battle over the practice is making its way through the courts just weeks before the first ballots are scheduled to go out.