CHICAGO – Illinois could become the third state in the U.S. to grant driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants – a move top officials from both parties are pushing as a way to make roads safer and one that could have political implications for lawmakers seeking to court Hispanic voters.

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton said Tuesday that he believes he has the votes to get the measure through his chamber next week. Gov. Pat Quinn said he will sign it if it passes the House and makes it to his desk.

New Mexico and Washington are the only states in the U.S. to give driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.