HB1735 amends the Illinois Election Code to create a new offense related to non-citizen voting. The bill provides that, unless federal law says otherwise, any person who is not a U.S. citizen and who knowingly registers to vote or knowingly votes in any election, including a municipal election, commits a Class 3 felony. It also makes it a Class 3 felony for any person to knowingly register someone to vote if that person is not a U.S. citizen.
The bill is framed as an election integrity measure and applies immediately upon enactment. By adding Section 29-21 to the Election Code, it would establish a specific state criminal penalty for non-citizen registration and voting, as well as for knowingly assisting a non-citizen in registering. The measure would affect election administrators, registrars, and individuals involved in voter registration, while reinforcing existing citizenship-based eligibility rules in Illinois elections.
Impact
HB1735 would add a new criminal provision to the Illinois Election Code, creating Class 3 felony penalties for non-citizens who knowingly register or vote and for anyone who knowingly registers a non-citizen to vote. It would apply to all elections covered by state law, including municipal elections, while preserving any contrary federal law. The bill would therefore expand state enforcement tools around voter eligibility and could affect voter registration practices, election administration, and criminal prosecution related to alleged unlawful registration or voting.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of committee debate or recorded votes, the available record shows the bill as a straightforward election-security proposal with no documented opposition or support in the provided materials. The caption, "ELEC-NON-CITIZENS PROHIBITED," suggests the sponsor’s intent is to deter non-citizen participation in elections through criminal penalties. Because there are no transcripts or vote totals, no broader consensus or controversy can be confirmed from the supplied context.
Contention
The main point of contention inherent in the bill is the use of felony penalties for non-citizen registration and voting, including for anyone who knowingly registers a non-citizen. Supporters would likely view the measure as protecting election integrity and clarifying criminal liability, while critics could argue it is overly punitive or may create risks for registration workers and election administrators if citizenship status is misunderstood or misreported. The bill’s carveout for federal law also suggests potential legal sensitivity around preemption and the interaction between state election rules and federal requirements.
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