Peoria Standard

During the recent House Ethics & Elections Committee hearing, Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) threw questions at Rep. Maurice A. West II (D-Rockford)  who is sponsoring Senate Bill 0825, which would bring changes to election procedures.

“We’re chasing ourselves down this rabbit hole, where we’re making data optional,” Spain said. “And it's a go for both ways. I think we need to be careful about allowing any redistricting activities to be whatever ... the political dominance is in in a particular county. Now, picking the data that would be more favorable to you … when, last summer, there were changes ordered by a federal judge regarding third-party candidates and those changes allowed for reduced signature requirements and the ability to collect petitions electronically.”

Among the changes the bill dictates, are changing the 2022 general primary election from March 15 to June 28, and moving the deadline for counties to do their redistricting until December.  

“Why are we moving the primary date?” Spain asked. “Why do we need to provide a point of adding confusion to counties. What are we trying to guide our counties to do? What is your guidance to counties as they do their redistricting now? Use the census or use the ACS?”

West responded that the change in primary dates would “help clerks inform people in their area of when their primary will be. The state has always had a long window between the primary and general, so the proposal to do the one-time change to see how it works.”

Spain was also concerned about campaign funds and voting centers.

“The state Supreme Court ruled recently it was illegal to use your campaign to pay for personal vehicles,” he explained. “Why do we want to change the law on that provision? Voting centers are now a requirement. Where will those be located? What’s your guidance on that?

West told Spain that political funds can be used for political purposes and voting centers will be located in the largest municipality in the county.

Despite the information provided by West, Spain voted no.

The bill was enacted into law on June 17.