Those pesky referendums -- here's what I think

PEORIA, IL -- Voters in the Nov. 5 election will face seven referendums on the ballot, two for Peoria County, two that are amendments to the Illinois Constitution, and three that are advisory for the General Assembly. Here are my recommendations.

For Peoria County voters:

1. Shall a board of election commissioners be established for Peoria County?

The situation now is that the Peoria County Clerk, an elected official,  handles the elections outside the city of Peoria, and the Peoria Election Commission handles the voting inside the city.The clerk and commission cooperate on most things, clerk Steve Sonnemaker, a Democrat, said at a meeting of the Peoria County Democratic Women.

This referendum, which is binding, would in effect expand the city commission to the whole county. It might cut down voter confusion, and might save money, advocates argue. The League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria voted to support it.

But -- this is a step back from democracy, as the chief judge would appoint some of the five commissioners split between the city and the county.  The county clerk is said to have some fiscal oversight.

The state statute allowing this commission is vague, Sonnemaker said. 

I believe in checks and balances and democracy, and oppose this referendum.

2.  Shall the office of Recorder of Deeds be eliminated and the duties of that position merged into the office of the County Clerk?

This is not a policy making office, and I support this referendum.

The two Constitutional amendments:  The first expands the right to vote, and I support that.  The second  is a crime victims bill of rights. That may, in my opinion, undermine the criminal justice system, and I oppose it.

The three advisory referendums: the first would raise the state's minimum wage to $10 an hour. It's now $8.25.  This is a no brainer and the answer is 'yes.'

The next would require any health insurance plan in Illlinois providing prescription drug coverage to cover prescription birth control.  Again a no brainer, and 'yes.'

Finally a 'millionaire's tax' for education would add a 3 percent tax on millionaires, and could raise $1 billion, earmarked for education.  This is a difficult decision, as it might drive the wealthy out of the state, and the money might be wasted in various ways. Still -- a weak 'yes' from me.

Absentee voting is now underway.  A phone call to the election office will bring an application in the mail, and if that if filled out properly, a ballot will be mailed to you.  Yes, a paper ballot.  This computer-free way to vote is trouble free.

Early voting begins Oct. 20.  Grace period voting, where you can register and vote at the same time, begins Oct. 7.

There's really no excuse for not voting in this election.

 -- Elaine Hopkins

 

Comments

[Steve Waterworth]

Thanks for the advice.