Referendum To Decide Fate Of Election Commission In Aurora

AURORA, IL — The fate of Aurora's Election Commission will be in the hands of voters when they're faced with the question, "Shall the City Election Law Be Rejected?" on the March 20 ballots. The referendum could dissolve the city's election commission, which has been in effect since 1934, and put its responsibilities in the hands of the city clerk.

If the referendum passes, Aurora officials say the Kane County Clerk would set up an office downtown to provide election services and additional services to residents.

The Aurora Election Commission is an independent body that was established in 1934 as a means of facilitating voter registration. Its three members are appointed by the chief judge of Kane County. As part of the city's Election Code, the commission's responsibilities include tabulating and certifying elections.

Since the election commission is an independent body, voters in Aurora do not control its expenditures, according to the city, which explains that most of the cost is offset by taxpayers.

According to Aurora officials, the cost to operate the election commission over the past decade has exceeded $12 million.

Visit the city's website for more information on Aurora's Election Commission.

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