Diana Howman, speaking for the League of Women Voters of McLean County, told the McLean County Board that the League has opened a study of the county’s two election authorities — the McLean County Clerk’s Office and the Bloomington Election Commission — to look for ways to reduce voter and candidate confusion and improve administrative efficiency. “We are collecting information and talking to stakeholders so that we can decide, if we want to take a position,” Howman said during the board’s public-comment period.

The League said it is in an information-gathering phase and has already interviewed election authorities in other communities that have had dual election authorities. The group plans interviews with key stakeholders, a survey of people who have run for office and a wider community survey. “Our goal is, first and foremost, to empower voters and to defend democracy,” Howman said.

The League told the board it previously studied the issue in 2008–2009 and at that time recommended combining the two election authorities into a single, unified commission but did not take further action then. The current study is intended to reassess local conditions after more than 15 years.

The League outlined several possible outcomes it may recommend or pursue, including consolidating Bloomington Election Commission duties with the McLean County Clerk’s Office; creating a bipartisan independent countywide election commission whose members might be appointed by a judge; maintaining the current dual-authority structure; or other options the study uncovers. Howman said some options could lead to a voter referendum.

The League invited comments and feedback from board members and the public as it completes its information gathering. The League emphasized it has “not yet taken a position” on any specific change and said final recommendations will follow the study’s findings.