Illinois legislation · 104th General Assembly
Illinois HR652: ICE-ELECTIONS/POLLING PLACES
Status: Passed both chambers, May 28, 2026
Affirms voting is a protected civic activity that must be free from intimidation, fear, or the appearance of law enforcement surveillance unrelated to election administration. Declares immigration enforcement activity at or in the immediate vicinity of polling places, early voting locations, ballot drop boxes, voter registration sites, and election offices undermines public confidence in elections and the democratic process. Urges all federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to refrain from conducting civil immigration enforcement operations at or near locations where voting or election administration is taking place. Affirms the authority of the State of Illinois to administer elections without interference from unrelated federal enforcement activity. Encourages election authorities, in coordination with the Illinois State Board of Elections, to promote voter education and clear guidance to ensure voters understand their rights and feel safe participating in the electoral process.
What the bill says
From the introduced text, February 6, 2026:
HR0652LRB104 20569 ECR 34050 r HR0652 LRB104 20569 ECR 34050 r HR0652 LRB104 20569 ECR 34050 r HOUSE RESOLUTION WHEREAS, Free, fair, and accessible elections are the foundation of democracy in the State of Illinois and the United States; and WHEREAS, The right to vote is a protected civic activity that must be exercised free from intimidation, coercion, or fear; and WHEREAS, The administration of elections is a core responsibility of the states under the U.S. Constitution; and WHEREAS, Public confidence in elections depends upon voters feeling safe when registering to vote, casting a ballot, and participating in election processes; and WHEREAS, The presence of law enforcement activity unrelated to election administration at or near polling places can create confusion, fear, and the perception of voter intimidation; and WHEREAS, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has historically recognized schools, places of worship, and civic spaces as "sensitive locations" where enforcement actions are generally avoided in order to protect public HR0652- 2 -LRB104 20569 ECR 34050 r HR0652 - 2 - LRB104 20569 ECR 34050 r HR0652 - 2 - LRB104 20569 ECR 34050 r participation in essential community activities; and WHEREAS, Voting locations, early voting sites, ballot drop boxes, and election offices serve a similarly essential civic function and should be treated with the same respect to preserve democratic participation; …