Lake Forest Caucus to Vote on Electronic Voting This Weekend

URGENT UPDATE: Lake Forest Caucus officials have just announced a crucial second vote on proposed bylaw changes that would allow members to vote electronically. This important decision is set for January 24, 2024, at the Gorton Center, and is expected to reshape voting procedures for all members.

The Caucus previously attempted to pass this measure last October but fell short, garnering 427 votes in favor and 244 against. A two-thirds majority is required for approval, leaving the proposal just 21 votes short. The Caucus leadership believes the vote was negatively impacted by widespread Metra train delays that day, which prevented several members from arriving on time.

Caucus President Regina Etherton expressed the frustration of many members who felt deprived of their voting rights. “For two days I heard from people who were angry they didn’t get to vote,” Etherton stated. This outcry has prompted the Caucus to reschedule the vote for a weekend, aiming for better turnout with electronic voting options now on the table.

Voting will take place on a Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gorton Center, in hopes of avoiding previous logistical issues. Etherton noted, “People said they want to be there and don’t want to run into the same issue.” However, the timing could still impact participation, with winter weather and holiday travel potentially deterring some residents.

Ahead of the vote, concerns have been raised regarding the clarity of the language in the proposed amendment. Etherton confirmed that the revised proposal will ensure that “in-person voting shall be made available,” maintaining traditional voting methods alongside new electronic options.

Despite these revisions, some residents remain skeptical. John Trkla, co-founder of Lake Forest For Transparency, criticized the wording, suggesting it should explicitly guarantee that in-person voting is a permanent option. “If they want to be clear, why not just say that in-person voting must or will always be there?” he questioned.

If the amendment passes, the Caucus has already received bids from two vendors to implement an electronic voting system, which could modernize the way members participate in future elections. The Lake Forest Caucus, established in 1935, plays a vital role in local governance, vetting candidates for boards and commissions.

The community is waiting anxiously as this vote approaches, with many residents eager to support the move towards electronic voting. As the date draws near, all eyes will be on the Gorton Center to see if this pivotal bylaw change finally receives the approval it failed to achieve last year.

Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.