League of Women Voters begins study of McLean County election authorities, seeks public input

Diana Hellman, representing the McLean County League of Women Voters, told the Bloomington City Council on Monday that the League has begun a study of the county’s two election authorities — the McLean County Clerk’s Office and the Bloomington Election Commission — to identify ways to reduce voter and candidate confusion and improve administrative efficiency.

“We are exploring ways to reduce candidate and voter confusion about the two election authorities, seeking to understand and advocate consistent election practices, and exploring opportunities to improve efficiency in administrative functions,” Hellman said. She told the council the League is in an information-gathering phase and “like any League study, we have not taken a position.”

Hellman said the League will interview election officials, stakeholders and people who have run for office and will conduct a wider community survey. She noted the League previously ran a similar study in 2008 that recommended combining the two authorities but that the recommendation did not proceed. The options the League is considering include consolidating Bloomington Election Commission duties into the McLean County Clerk’s Office, establishing a bipartisan independent commission with commissioners appointed by a judge, continuing the current arrangement, or other options identified during the study. She said some outcomes could require voter referenda.

Her remarks were given during the public-comment portion of the council meeting; no council action was taken on the topic during the session. The League invited comments and feedback from council members and the public as it proceeds.