Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires the Election Fund be reimbursed by the general fund for however much the election cost to run, or $15 million, whichever is less.

Highlights:

• Establishes the purpose of the election fund as the following (Sec. 1): 

• Paying the costs of conducting statewide elections;

• Reimbursing counties for the cost of conducting statewide elections; 

• Repaying the administrative costs of the office of the secretary of state; or 

• Carrying out all other specified provisions of the Election Code.

• Authorizes the state treasurer to invest the election fund as other state funds are invested (Sec. 1). 

• Requires money received from the following sources to be deposited directly into the election fund (Sec.1): 

• Money appropriated to the fund by the legislature; 

• Reimbursements from the state and local government election costs; 

• Funds received by the state that are designated by the federal government; and

• Grants or capital outlay funds received by the secretary of state or a county clerk. 

• Authorizes the secretary of state to submit a budget adjustment request for the use of money in the election fund, and use a 5% variance front he approved budget of that fiscal year (Sec. 1). 

• Establishes that the secretary of state may apply to the state board of finance for an emergency grant if the current year's balance doesn't cover the costs of elections (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the secretary of state to certify the department of finance and administration total costs within 90 days after an election (Sec. 2). 

• Establishes the effective date as July 1, 2024 (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text