East St. Louis City Election Board Question (March 2012)

A East St. Louis City Election Board Question was on the March 20, 2012 ballot in the city of East St. Louis which is in St. Clair County.

This measure was defeated

• YES 1,503
• NO 3,359 d

This measure asked residents if they wanted to disband the city's Board of Elections. East St. Louis is one of three cities in the state which has its own Board of Elections. Those in favor of disbanding the Board noted that it would save the city money and give authority to the county board. A petition had been filed to put this measure on the ballot but opposition had been raised against allowing the measure on the ballot. Although there were not enough signatures submitted, the ruling Circuit judge allowed the measure to be voted on.

The man behind the petition drive filed a motion in St. Clair County Circuit Court asking for an injunction to stop the election board from counting the ballots for the election as there would be a conflict of interest. The County Clerk noted that while there may be an initial cost to buy election machines, in the long run the city would be saving money if the Board was dissolved.

Additional reading

• Belleville News-Democrat, "Voters will decide fate of ESL elections panel, judge says," January 21, 2012