Public Speaks on DuPage’s Potential Election Merger

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On December 13, 2016 DuPage County announced plans to try and merge the Election Commission with the County Clerk’s office, and recently members of the public got a chance to voice their opinions on the matter.

Under the proposed consolidation, the Election Commission would become a part of the County Clerk’s office, which the county hopes will reduce costs and increase customer service.

“So rather than figuring out should I go down to the clerk, should I go down to the Election Commission, actually it would be one stop shopping for the residents. They can come down to the County Clerk’s office and we can handle many different transactions,” said DuPage County Clerk Paul Hinds.

Four members of the public shared their feelings on the merger, all offering some level of support, but also several critiques.

One of their points of contention with the proposal is having County Board Chairman Dan Cronin, a republican, appointing all members of the Election Commission.

“This is not a bipartisan committee. As I understand bipartisanship it is representatives from both parties coming together to reach a decision. We have no decision in who the democrat is on the Election Commission,” said Bob Peickert, who spoke during public comment and is chair of the Democratic Party of DuPage County.

Currently there are three people on the Election Commission, but the plan is to increase that to five. County representatives feel the addition of two more election commissioners will increase representation for all parties.

 Legislation on the merger is expected to be introduced in early February.

Naperville News 17’s Evan Summers reports.