Chicago Sheriff Tom Dart expands vote-by-mail reach for November election
Sheriff Tom Dart expands vote-by-mail reach for November election
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart announced Wednesday that he is expanding vote-by-mail access for the November election, citing the success of the method during the June primary.
More than 1 million voters in Cook County voted by mail in the primary election, according to the sheriff's office. That's more than double the number who voted by mail in the 2018 primary.
“No eligible voter should be disenfranchised because of a global pandemic,” Sheriff Dart said in a statement.
New measures for November election
For the November election, the sheriff's office is taking several steps to make it easier for people to vote by mail, including:
- Mailing vote-by-mail applications to all registered voters in Cook County.
- Opening six drive-thru locations where people can drop off their completed ballots.
- Partnering with community organizations to distribute vote-by-mail applications and provide assistance to voters.
“We are committed to ensuring that every eligible voter in Cook County has the opportunity to vote safely and securely in the November election,” Sheriff Dart said.
New polling locations
In addition to expanding vote-by-mail access, Sheriff Dart is also opening seven new polling places for the November election. The new polling places are located in areas that have historically had low voter turnout.
"We want to make it as easy as possible for people to vote," Sheriff Dart said. "By opening new polling places in areas that have traditionally had low voter turnout, we are hoping to increase participation in the democratic process."
Challenging claims of voter fraud
Sheriff Dart's announcement comes amid continued claims of voter fraud by President Donald Trump and his allies. However, there is no evidence to support these claims, and experts say that voter fraud is extremely rare.
"There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the United States," Sheriff Dart said, citing a report by the Brennan Center for Justice.
"These claims are simply an attempt to suppress the vote and disenfranchise eligible voters," Sheriff Dart said.
Sheriff Dart urged all eligible voters to register to vote and make a plan to vote in the November election. "Your vote is your voice," Sheriff Dart said. "Make sure it is heard."
