The third time was a charm for the vote to consolidate city and county election commissions. Voters decided to create an Peoria County Election Commission out of the Peoria City Election Commission and the portion of the Peoria County Clerk’s Office that handles the county’s polling places. Voters approved the referendum with 25,589 votes in favor, or 53 percent, and 23,026 votes opposed, or 47 percent. “I’m pleased that it passed,” said Peoria County Board Member Allen Mayer, who represents District 6. “I look forward to working with everyone in the next couple of months to transition to a countywide election commission.” The vote totals reflected different desires in the county and the city.
Voters in Peoria County ultimately rejected the measure, with 11,816 voting against consolidation and 9,994 voting in favor. A greater number of voters in the city, however, opted for consolidation: 15,595 were in favor, and 11,210 were opposed.
The measure has twice before been defeated, including once in the last decade. The consolidation will create a countywide entity that has five commissioners — three from within the city and two from the rest of the county. The chief judge of the local judicial circuit will appoint the commissioners. No more than three of the new commissioners can come from the same political party.
Full Article: City, county election consolidation wins on third try – News – Journal Star – Peoria, IL.