SPRINGFIELD— Eligible voters throughout the state will now be automatically registered to vote under legislation advanced last Thursday.

Senate Bill 250 would allow for the Secretary of State’s office and similar state agencies to submit eligible voters’ information to the State Board of Elections when they visit their facilities for services.

Currently, 42.2 percent of eligible, voting-age black citizens in Illinois aren’t registered to vote. Overall, more than 2 million Illinoisans who are eligible to vote aren’t registered.

The measure now moves to the Illinois House of Representatives, where it will be debated.

Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement:

“Just last year we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. This legislation resonates that same message that our democracy should ensure that voting is accessible to every eligible person.”