Nybo Sponsors Bill to Help Disabled Veterans Exercise Their Right to Vote

In the final weeks of the 97th General Assembly regular session, state Rep. Chris Nybo (R-41, Elmhurst) was chief sponsor of Senate Bill 98, a measure to ensure disabled veterans residing in federally operated veterans homes and hospitals are able to exercise their right to vote.

The bill unanimously passed the Illinois Senate and House and awaits the governor’s signature.

"Every veteran, especially those who are incapacitated, should be afforded the opportunity to exercise their right to vote,” Nybo said. “Given the sacrifices these men and women have made for our country and for our freedom, every means necessary should be employed to ensure their voices are heard in our democracy.” 

Under current law, in-person absentee voting is only allowed at Illinois-operated veteran and nursing homes, but federally operated homes and institutions are excluded. The law would allow in-person absentee voting at all federally-operated veteran homes, hospitals or long-term care facilities, such as the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in suburban Cook County.

“This is common-sense legislation that provides proper access to the electoral process for our disabled veterans,” Nybo said, thanking his colleagues for their votes.