Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) said paper ballots are the most secure voting method. | File Photo
Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) said paper ballots are the most secure voting method. | File Photo
Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) filed a bill that would require the use of paper ballots in state elections.
The legislation would also mandate that hand-marked ballots, which offer the option of either being counted by hand or optical scanner, be employed by election authorities.
"I firmly believe that paper ballots are the best and most reliable way to secure our vote counts and to restore public confidence in elections," Bailey told WandTv.com.
Republican lawmakers in many states have suggested changes to voting laws that some have alleged are needed because the 2020 election was riddled with fraud, despite no proof being provided.
The proposed changes would require Illinois State Board of Election officials to establish stringent chain-of-command procedures for ballots, voter registration polls and tabulation results. Software that could easily detect and guard against possible registration security vulnerabilities would also need to be used.
"Paper ballots aren't hooked to a modem, connected to the internet, and susceptible to hackers or electronic fraud," Bailey said. "They are clear, they are simple, and they are easy for voters to use."
Bailey recently launched his campaign to challenge Gov. J.B. Pritzker in 2022.
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