ELEC CD-LAKE COUNTY PROGRAM
The bill specifies various responsibilities for the County Clerk, which includes distributing election documents, serving as a filing location for election documents, and providing information to the public about elections. Furthermore, it requires that by December 31, 2036, the State Board of Elections, alongside the Lake County Board, must submit a report to the General Assembly that assesses the effectiveness of the pilot program and makes recommendations for potential statewide implementation.
House Bill 2376, introduced by Rep. Rita Mayfield, aims to establish a Lake County Elections Pilot Program under the Illinois Election Code. The bill mandates the State Board of Elections to create this program, which will designate the County Clerk of Lake County as the primary election authority for all elections in Lake County, except for those regarding State or federal offices. This change will take effect on January 1, 2027.
While the bill is positioned to enhance local control over election processes in Lake County, concerns may arise concerning the delegation of powers to local officials versus those maintained at the state level. The sunsetting provision, which will repeal the pilot program on January 1, 2037, implies that the effectiveness and the outcomes of this new structure will be closely monitored, albeit temporarily, and may lead to discussions in the years leading up to its expiration regarding its continuation or expansion.