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Rockford National Groups Help Hospitalized Patients Vote

Rockford National Groups Help Hospitalized Patients Vote

(WIFR) – Anyone can unexpectedly find themselves in the hospital weeks or days before an election, but political experts say that shouldn’t stop citizens from exercising their right to vote.

“You want the voice of every eligible voter to be heard, especially those affected by the crisis,” says Alia Bhatia, executive director Wot-era national nonprofit that helps patients vote.

With Election Day just days away, leaders want every voter to have a say.

“Voting is part of how we shape the policies that help us live prosperous, healthy lives,” says Bhatia.

Bhatia explains that people who are hospitalized often understand the idea more than others, so it’s important for them to have a voice.

“Federal and state decisions directly affect their health when they’re in the hospital,” Bhatia says.

In Illinois, if you are hospitalized within 14 days of the election or are expected to return home on November 5, you can request an emergency vote.

“The person has to fill out an application explaining the circumstances, what hospital they’re in, etc.,” explains Carol Bailey of the League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford. “The certificate must be signed by a medical professional. And because the person is hospitalized, you have the right to have someone, usually a family member, pick up your ballot, deliver it to you, and return it to the election commission.”

The law even allows for a ballot to be claimed on election day if the ballot is returned by 7:00 p.m., when the polls close.

“As far as emergency voting goes, there’s no limit, whatever the reason you’re hospitalized doesn’t matter to the electoral service, they want to make sure you have an opportunity to vote,” Bailey says.

Each state has a different hospital voting procedure. You can learn more about the process in your state here.