Tuesday’s election in Du Page County was ignored by nearly 84 percent of the county’s voters, but it got plenty of attention from the Illinois Board of Elections and election officials from some of the state’s other 101 counties.
Voters in 151 precincts in Lisle, Wayne and Winfield Townships were the first in Illinois to test a new electronic signature system designed to streamline the process and make piles of paper obsolete, both at polling places and inside the Election Commission office.
Bob Saar, assistant to Du Page Election Commission executive director Dan Nelson, said most of the feedback from election judges was positive.
“Just like with any new thing, some judges had a little trouble getting used to the format, but certainly they see the potential, which is positive,” Saar said.
Saar said the computer software needed to develop the electronic imaging is complex, but once it’s in place, matching voter signatures is a cinch.
Saar said the system tentatively is scheduled to be tested again in the March primary.
Candidate file Illinois Rep. Suzanne Deuchler has announced her re-election bid. The Aurora Republican has been in the House since 1980.
There is no shortage of parties interested in filling the District 4 County Board seat being vacated next year by Gwen Henry. Two of the four seats in each of the County Board’s six districts are up for grabs next year.
Last week, Wheaton attorney Randy Hultgren, a Milton Township precinct committeeman, tossed his hat in the ring, as did former Naperville City Councilman Al Rubin. District 4, which primarily encompasses Wheaton and Glen Ellyn, includes a tiny portion of northwest Naperville.
Bits and pieces Jeanne McNamara has been re-appointed to a three-year term on the three-member Board of Election Commissioners. McNamara, a Democrat, has served on the board since 1976. . . . U.S. Senators Phil Gramm (R-Texas), Dan Coats (R-Indiana) and Paul Coverdale (R-Georgia) will discuss health care reform at a Nov. 11 town meeting hosted by U.S. Rep. Harris Fawell (R-Illinois). The session will be from noon to 2 p.m. in Edward Hospital’s auditorium, 801 S. Washington St., Naperville. . . . Hungry? As part of his re-election fundraising, Du Page County Board member Roger Kotecki of Glen Ellyn will bake and sell a homemade pie. Apple is his specialty. He’s also hosting a fall fundraiser Saturday in West Chicago. Call 545-0145.
