Budzinski Joins DPI to Urge Voters: Mail in Your Ballot Today, Ensure Your Vote is Counted

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Last night, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski joined Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez to clearly say to voters: mail in your ballot today. The virtual press conference featured Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, and Illinois Democratic County Chair Association (IDCCA) President Mark Guethle in Chicago, and Adams County Democrats Chair Kate Daniels. The leaders informed Illinoisans of the recent USPS postal change, shared voter protection resources and ultimately helped ensure no Illinoisans’ vote is suppressed.

Starting at the end of last year, the USPS has changed a postmark rule stating that mail won’t necessarily be postmarked the same day that it is picked up by your local Postal Carrier, including mail-in ballots.

If a ballot is mailed too close to Election Day, it could be marked as late, meaning that vote is not counted and thus, potentially thousands of Illinois voters are silenced through no fault of their own.

"With one targeted attack at voting rights after another by Trump and Republicans, the Democratic Party of Illinois has made protecting Illinoisans’ right to have their voices heard at the polls a priority. Together with Illinois Democrats across the state who are doing the work to defend our democracy, we’re urging voters to act now—return your ballot by March 10, use an official drop box, or vote in person to ensure your vote counts,” said DPI Chair Hernandez.

“This postal change made under the Trump Administration is especially concerning for rural Illinoisans who rely on mail-in voting and don’t live near a polling place. We want voters to know their options and take action today so their ballots are counted or go vote in person,” said U.S. Representative Budzinski (IL-13).

“Changes like this risk making voting confusing for people who already face barriers to participating in elections. We’ve seen repeated efforts by the Trump Administration to target voters’ rights. That’s why we’re making sure every voter knows how to return their ballot safely and on time,” said Illinois Attorney General Raoul.

“Our focus is making sure every eligible voter can cast a ballot that counts. With Election Day approaching, voters who still have their mail ballot should send it now or drop it in an official ballot drop box or vote in person,” said Illinois Secretary of State Giannoulias.

“In a county as large and diverse as Cook County, there is simply too much on the line to risk a ballot arriving late. Acting now—by mailing your ballot by tomorrow, or using an official drop box or voting in person—will help make sure your voice is heard in this primary,” said Cook County Board President Preckwinkle.

“As Treasurer, my responsibility is to protect Illinoisans and ensure transparency in the systems they depend on, and that responsibility is no different when it comes to our elections. That’s why we’re focused on educating voters and making sure people know how to return their ballots so their vote is counted,” said Illinois Treasurer Frerichs.

“Our county parties are on the frontlines helping voters navigate the election process and providing the information, resources, and support they need to cast their ballots safely. Our goal is simple: make sure every voter has clear information and a reliable way to return their ballot,” said IDCCA President Guethle.

“For many voters in rural counties, like Adams County, mailing a ballot is the most accessible way to participate in our democracy. Rural voters should never be penalized for using mail-in ballots, which is why we’re urging them to return their ballots before tomorrow, Tuesday, March 10th at 5 p.m.,” said Adams County Democrats Chair Daniels.

Voters can find their nearest official ballot drop box and polling place at iwillvote.com.

Voters who need support or encounter any issues are encouraged to contact DPI’s Voter Protection Hotline at 855-458-6837 or at voterpro@ildems.com.

Nikki Budzinski is a labor activist, former Chief of Staff at the Office of Management and Budget in the Biden Administration and Senior Advisor to Governor JB Pritzker. A graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, she’s the granddaughter of a union painter and public-school teachers. Nikki has over ten years’ experience in the labor movement, working for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union and International Association of Fire Fighters.

More like this:

Attorney General Raoul Sues Trump Administration Over Unlawful Executive Order Attempting To Exert Federal Control Over Elections

Apr 6, 2026

Attorney General Raoul Moves To Permanently Block President Trump’s Executive Order Exerting Control Over State Elections

5 days ago

Attorney General Raoul Reminds Illinois Voters Of Rights

Mar 10, 2026

Recount Shows Closer Vote Tallies For Long Lake Ballot Referenda

Apr 2, 2026

Budzinski Condemns President Trump Executive Order Targeting Vote-By-Mail

Apr 2, 2026