(SPRINGFIELD) New postal service changes to postmarking and transportation rules could disrupt mail-in voting in the 2026 election. Ahead of the March 17th primary election, county clerks are telling voters not to rely on past processes and to mail their ballots as early as possible, no later than one week before Election Day. Clerks from around the state discussed how to educate voters at the annual Illinois Association of County Clerks & Recorders Conference held last week in East Peoria. One new rule, which took effect December 24th, states that the date a postmark is applied to a piece of mail may not reflect the day it was received by the Postal Service. Currently, 14 states, including Illinois, will accept mail-in ballots if they are received within a certain period after Election Day, if they are postmarked on or before Election Day. Clerks warned that uncertainty about when ballots will now be postmarked necessitates voters to act earlier. The U.S. Postal Service says the way postmarks are applied is not changing and that mail is only postmarked at mail distribution centers and that will remain the same. Plus, in an effort to improve mail delivery efficiency, some localities’ mail may be sent to a different mail distribution center than in the past, which can increase the amount of time it takes for the USPS to receive and then postmark mail at the centers. So, mail those ballots in as soon as possible.
(SPRINGFIELD) Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation to automate the state’s record-sealing process for those with certain criminal convictions. The Clean Slate Act will help some two (2) million people in Illinois get a fresh start, with increased access to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. The Governor said the move is not just good for those formerly in prison, but it’s also good for the Illinois economy, unlocking some $4.7 billion in lost wages. Many downstate lawmakers voted against the law which takes effect June 1st, later this year.
(EDWARDSVILLE) State Senator Jason Plummer of Edwardsville is urging residents across his 55th District to help spread love and kindness this Valentine’s Day by taking part in his Valentines for Seniors Card Drive. The annual program invites individuals, families, churches, classrooms, and community organizations to create Valentine’s Day cards that will be delivered to seniors living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The Valentine’s Day cards can be dropped off in person at Senator Plummer’s district office in Vandalia by February 6th, 2026, two weeks from this coming Friday, from 8:30 to 4:30, each weekday. When delivering cards in person, residents are asked to place them in the marked mailbox located inside the Vandalia office. The Valentine’s Day cards can be mailed to 310 West Gallatin Street, Vandalia, 62471.