Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for SB0048

Amends the Election Code. Abolishes local canvassing boards. Provides that canvasses must be done by election authorities within 48 hours after election. Requires election authorities to transmit, by fax, e-mail, or other electronic means, a preliminary statement of the results of the election to the State Board of Elections. Provides that the State Board of Elections must conduct a preliminary canvass within 72 hours after the election. Provides that if a canvass shows that a candidate has a margin of victory of, or a referendum was approved by, less than 1% of the votes cast, a recount must be conducted as quickly as possible after the close of the election. Sets requirements for the recount. Requires the State Board of Elections to adopt uniform standards for the counting of ballots by hand, including what indications of voter intent are to be counted and recorded. Provides that any candidate may request a discovery recount (now, any candidate who, in the entire area in which votes may be cast for the office for which he or she is a candidate, received votes equal in number to at least 95% of the votes cast for any successful candidate for the same office may request a discovery recount). Increases the fee for a discovery recount from $10 per precinct to $25 per precinct. Deletes provisions concerning a contest involving the selection of nominees for the office of State representative. Provides that a meeting of the electoral board may not be held more than 6 days (now, 5 days) after the board's receipt of the nomination papers and the objector's petition. Requires the State Board of Elections to conduct a final canvass within 10 days (now, 20 days) after an election. Makes other changes. Amends the Revised Cities and Villages Act of 1941. Provides that recounts for the office of alderman in the City of Chicago must be filed and conducted in accordance with the Election Code (instead of within 5 days after the election).

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