Quinn Pushing for Voter Registration Online, Clerk Not On Board
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: February 11, 2013
BLOOMINGTON- Early voting has begun for the February 26th municipal primary election.
But for those who aren't yet registered to vote, a state proposal could put the process online.
Governor Pat Quinn supports moving voter registration to the web.
He says the change would engage younger citizens in the political process.
Instead of requiring 18 year olds to head to the courthouse or village hall, they could sign up with the click of a button.
While some states have turned to the new age trend, McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael says the change isn't needed right now.
She believes the state needs to pay its bills first.
"Get back to us and throw a new idea at us when everything else is taken care of," said Michael. "Illinois is at the bottom of nearly everything. I don't know if I trust Illinois to get this right."
Michael says the current paper filing system meets McLean County's needs.
She questions where the state would get the money to pay for the online conversion.
But for those who aren't yet registered to vote, a state proposal could put the process online.
Governor Pat Quinn supports moving voter registration to the web.
He says the change would engage younger citizens in the political process.
Instead of requiring 18 year olds to head to the courthouse or village hall, they could sign up with the click of a button.
While some states have turned to the new age trend, McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael says the change isn't needed right now.
She believes the state needs to pay its bills first.
"Get back to us and throw a new idea at us when everything else is taken care of," said Michael. "Illinois is at the bottom of nearly everything. I don't know if I trust Illinois to get this right."
Michael says the current paper filing system meets McLean County's needs.
She questions where the state would get the money to pay for the online conversion.
