Madigan files amendment targeting voter suppression

SPRINGFIELD — House Speaker Michael Madigan has introduced another constitutional amendment — this one designed to stop voter suppression.

The Chicago Democrat proposed the idea Tuesday. It would ensure that no one is denied the right to register to vote or to cast a ballot based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation or income.

Spokesman Steve Brown says he’s not aware of suppression efforts in Illinois but other areas of the country have seen efforts to make it more difficult for some people to vote.

It would be placed on the November general election ballot for voter approval if it receives supermajority support in both houses of the state Legislature.

Madigan introduced another amendment last week that would raise the income tax on millionaires.

ASSOCIATED PRESS