SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Some Democratic lawmakers believe Illinois should be the first state to require voting for all eligible residents. A plan in Springfield would treat voting as a civic duty.

State leaders estimate there are fewer than 10 million people eligible to vote in Illinois. Roughly 8.1 million Illinoisans are registered to vote, but only 5.7 million people cast ballots in the 2024 general election.

"That reality raises an important question for us as elected leaders," said Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford). "What can we do as a state to foster greater and more consistent participation in the Democratic process?"

More than 24 countries treat voting as a civic duty similar to jury duty. Sponsors argue that all eligible citizens should cast a ballot during general elections

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