The bill amends the Election Code to establish new rules regarding the use of facilities in buildings designated as polling places and early voting polling places. Specifically, it mandates that the secretary of state adopt rules requiring the owners or controllers of these buildings to allow individuals engaged in electioneering to access facilities available to voters and election officials, such as bathrooms, as long as they remain outside designated electioneering areas. The rules stipulate that these individuals cannot bring political signs or literature into the restricted areas, must cover or remove any political logos or messaging before entering, and must comply with any additional requirements set by the secretary of state.

This legislation aims to balance the rights of individuals to engage in electioneering while ensuring that polling places remain orderly and free from overt political influence within designated areas. The new provisions will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 61.003, Election Code 85.036 (Election Code 85, Election Code 61)