Latest news with #CookCountyClerk'sOffice
Chicago Tribune
02-04-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Northbrook School District 27 and 28 voters appear to OK referendums
In unofficial results from Tuesday's election, April 1, voters supported referendums in both Northbrook School District 28 and Northbrook School District 27. In Northbrook School District 27, 63% of voters cast ballots supporting establishment of a debt service extension base, or DSEB, according to unofficial results from the Cook County Clerk's Office. Northbrook School District 28 residents voted overwhelmingly to issue $94.9 million in bonds to fund renovations of three schools and construction of a new school building, according to unofficial results. With all 12 precincts counted Tuesday night, 63% of District 28 voters supported the proposal, while 37% opposed it, according to unofficial results. 'This is a huge win for our community,' District 28 Superintendent Jason Pearson said. 'We are grateful for the support.' 'Our team was amazing,' said Tamara Reese, chairwoman of the Citizens for District 28 bond referendum committee. 'We got all stakeholders involved with a grass-roots effort, and this is an exciting success for District 28 and the Northbrook community.' District 28 plans to replace Meadowbrook School at an estimated cost of $56 million. A new two-story building will be constructed behind the existing school, which would remain open during construction, according to the district. Other schools will undergo various renovations, fire alarm upgrades and security improvements. At Greenbriar School, plans call for building a new classroom wing behind the gym and building a new cafeteria and flexible auditorium, stage, and commons area where the existing classroom wing along Greenbriar Lane is located. Updated playgrounds, new parking north and east of the school, and turning the existing multipurpose room/cafeteria and adjacent classrooms into a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) lab and music and art classrooms is proposed, as well. New cafeterias and flexible space are also proposed for Westmoor School and Northbrook Junior High. In total, the estimated cost of the projects is $115 million. In addition to the $94.9 million bond issue, the district plans to use $20 million in existing operating funds to pay for the remaining improvements, officials said. Pearson said he is proud of the community for stepping up and investing in the future of District 28 schools. 'This was a real process to walk through as a community,' he said. 'It's been a long time since we asked the community for this kind of support for the schools.' Pearson said he was not surprised by the election results after watching the community organize to support the referendum. 'I feel like this community, when it gets behind something, is able to accomplish whatever they identify as a goal,' he said. 'I'm not surprised that once they identified the need, they were willing to step up and invest in schools in a way that the community feels such strong support for.' Pearson said District 28 plans to get started immediately on executing the plans to renovate three schools and build a new Meadowbrook School. 'The architects have been working with us on the master plan and the priorities,' he said. 'They're ready to move to the design phase. They're going to get started in April. Hopefully, we will have what we need to go out for bids in January or February (of 2026).' Terry Ryan, spokeswoman for District 28, credited the district's success in the referendum with the hard work of its citizens committee from the start. 'They covered every base and did everything they could to get the word out,' Ryan said. 'We worked in partnership to share information with parents in multiple different ways, from public community coffees and forums to videos and a website. We worked to make the process transparent beginning two years ago.' A citizens committee formed in support of the referendum had raised $16,000 as of March 6, according to contributions reported to the Illinois State Board of Elections. The bulk of the donations—$10,000—were contributed by Itasca-based DLA Architects, the firm hired by District 28 to complete the 10-year facilities master plan identifying the building improvements in the referendum plan.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Incorrect ballots given to some Skokie voters
Ahead of municipal elections on Tuesday, Village of Skokie officials announced that some residents received incorrect ballots listing the names of candidates outside of their trustee district. This is the first time voters will elect district trustees in the village, after voters in a 2022 election approved this new geographically representative form of village government. Officials from the village and Cook County dispute what, or who, caused the error. A village spokesperson said Skokie provided Cook County with accurate and timely trustee maps, and that the error occurred in that office. A county spokesperson said Skokie officials provided inaccurate boundary information to the Cook County Clerk's Office, the chief election authority in suburban Cook County. 'The Cook County Clerk's Office was required to send out corrected mail ballots for two districts in Skokie after local officials provided inaccurate boundary information to the Clerk's Office for those districts,' Sally Daly, the deputy clerk of communications for the County Clerk's office, told Pioneer Press in an email. 'The (Cook County) Clerk's Office was not informed of this error until March 17, the first day of Early Voting,' Daly said. The Clerk's office contacted the 50 voters who had voted on faulty ballots and provided them corrected replacement ballots the day after they voted on the incorrect ballots, she said, 'with a letter informing them that due to the re-districting done by the Village of Skokie for the newly created districts, that they had been incorrectly placed in the wrong district. These voters were instructed to return the new ballot and to disregard the one that had previously been sent.' The Clerk's Office also immediately corrected the ballot information on Early Voting equipment at all election precincts that were impacted, she added. As a result, no votes were disqualified, she said. Patrick Deignan, the village's director of communications and community engagement, said in an email, 'The Village contracted with outside counsel, Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins, which provided accurate trustee district boundary descriptions to Cook County. The village confirmed with the county that the ordinance and district maps that were filed with the county were accurate. Deignan continued, 'The error occurred in the Cook County Election Board's office, and the Election Board has assured the village that it has corrected its error.' On Tuesday, voters will elect four district trustees, one for each of four districts, and two at-large trustees for the whole village. This hybrid approach to representation on the Village Board was implemented as a result of a series of election referenda approved by Skokie voters in 2022. According to a news release uploaded to the village's website on March 29, Skokie Clerk Minal Desai became aware of at least two incorrect ballots when early voting began on March 17. The ballots allowed Skokie residents that live in District 2 to vote for a District 3 trustee. Mayor George Van Dusen, Village Manager John Lockerby and Corporation Counsel Michael Lorge and outside counsel also knew of the incorrect ballots and implored the Cook County Election Board to correct the ballots, per the news release. Deignan said the incorrect ballot reports came from Skokie residents who live near a trustee district boundary. He added that the village requested the county to provide affected residents with corrected ballots, as well as a letter informing those residents of the error. The Cook County Clerk's office is still expected to be able to provide accurate and timely election results Tuesday night, Deignan said. Desai did not respond to multiple requests for comment on Monday. Deignan did not immediately respond to Pioneer Press's inquiry about Daly's comments. The ballot gaffe has created political fodder for candidates who are running for Skokie clerk, including Desai, who is running after she was appointed clerk in 2024. Naema Abraham, a current school board member for Niles Township High School District 219 and village clerk candidate, posted on her Facebook page March 28 that the village clerk is responsible for verifying the district trustee maps, and that the current clerk's failure to do so caused the blunder in the ballots. 'These errors reflect a serious lack of diligence and preparedness. Skokie residents deserve a village clerk who is proactive, accurate and accountable — someone who ensures every vote is counted properly and every voter receives correct information,' she posted. James Johnson, a current Skokie trustee who is running for the village clerk position, posted the following on their Facebook page March 28. 'From my understanding, this mistake was entirely avoidable. District map allocations were sent to the village in December 2024, but the village clerk's office did not adequately review this information or respond with any corrections until Early Voting had already begun.' 'As the initiator of Skokie's new 'hybrid' electoral system, which combines at-large and district-based Trustee positions for the first time, I am disappointed by this error in an otherwise excellent implementation process.'
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
White, wealthy Cook County residents more likely to vote on tax proposals: analysis
The Brief Cook County voters in wealthy and majority-white areas are more likely to turn out and vote on ballot referenda asking for tax increases, according to a new analysis. The Cook County Treasurer's Office examined data from the 2024 primary and general elections for the analysis. The findings show just how few voters can decide on tax increases across the county, the treasurer's office said. COOK CO., Ill. - Cook County residents who are white, wealthy and who own their homes are more likely to vote and determine the outcome of ballot questions that raise taxes, according to a new analysis. The Cook County Treasurer's Office released the findings of its analysis this month to show just how few voters decide whether to raise new taxes on residents and increase government debt. Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas used the findings to urge residents to turn out and vote during the upcoming local election next Tuesday, April 1. By the numbers Pappas' office analyzed 35 referenda on the ballot last year. It found that wealthier residents were more likely to vote in those elections. In Cook County's wealthiest taxing districts, the average turnout was 60%, compared to only 34% in districts where the median household income fell below the county median of $81,797. The analysis found that white residents were also more likely to vote. On average, turnout in majority-white districts was more than 20 percentage points higher than in majority Black, Latino, and majority-minority districts. People who own their homes were also more likely to vote. In taxing districts where 80% or more of residents own their home, the average turnout was more than 55%. In districts where more than 20% of residents rent, the average turnout was just 30%. "Rising property taxes always anger property owners. Despite that, most don't vote in referendums that determine whether their taxes go up or down," Pappas said in a statement. Another way in which overall voter participation decreases is what the analysis called "drop-off" voters, or when a voter doesn't fill out the referendum questions that tend to be listed further down the ballot. In Cook County, the median drop-off rate for the primary and general elections was about 6.2%, according to the treasurer's office. Why you should care The release of the findings comes just days before another local election is set to take place next Tuesday, April 1. Tuesday's election will feature multiple taxing ballot questions as well. Local consolidated elections during off years tend to have lower turnout rates, Pappas' office pointed out. "If the Treasurer's findings are any guide, little will have changed and only a few will still decide for the many," the analysis said. Early voting is already open for Tuesday's election. Visit the Cook County Clerk's Office for more information. Dig deeper In a summary of the results, the treasurer's office highlighted two examples to illustrate its findings, one referendum in a low-income south suburb and another in a high-income suburb in the North Shore. The Robbins Park District asked voters last March to approve a tax increase. The district is in an area where the median household income is about $38,000 and less than 73% of residents own their home. While the tax increase was rejected, only 14% of registered voters weighed in, one of the lowest turnouts in the primary election, according to the analysis. By comparison, in Kenilworth, a majority white North Shore suburb where the median household income is above $250,000 and more than 97% of residents own their homes, voters were asked to approve a $2.5 million bond issuance. The turnout rate was 33% for the March primary, more than twice the turnout rate in Robbins. You can read the full analysis on the Cook County Treasurer's Office website.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Cook County Clerk's Office experiences spike in vital record requests due to immigration concerns
COOK COUNTY, Ill. (WGN) — New efforts are being made to protect immigrant families in Cook County, as County Clerk Monica Gordan stressed what she sees as fallout from President Donald Trump's widespread effort to crack down on undocumented migrants. On Monday, Gordan said her office has received a surge in requests for birth certificates and marriage licenses, likely due to fears of mass deportations. 'We know this is not just a coincidence,' Gordan said. 'In fact, our staffing supervisors have spoken to many of our customers, who say they are feeling anxious and concerned about their security and want to obtain these vital records as quickly as possible.' According to the Cook County Clerk's Office, nearly 11,000 more birth records were issued the first two months of this year compared to last January and February. About 1,300 more marriage and civil union licenses were issued in January and February year over year. Gordan—a Democrat—sought to remind residents that local officials protect the privacy of vital documents regardless of an individual's immigration status. 'We will not share records with outside influences,' Gordan said. 'We will never allow fear to dictate who can obtain a marriage license or birth certificate.' Gordon's messages came as the Trump administration continues to roll out a new app that will allow undocumented immigrants to self deport rather than face arrest and detention. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection app is called CBP Home. On top of growing immigration policy implementation—as the Trump administration ends federal government Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives—Gordon is strengthening DEI in her office, adding a deputy clerk to handle diversity. Moving forward, local municipalities are bracing for the Trump's requirement that all undocumented immigrants 14 and older register and provide fingerprints to the U.S. government. Those who fail to comply could face fines or prosecution, according to Trump administration officials. Where the current United States political system stands, fingerprinting requirements vary depending on the context across the country. Generally, they are mandated for specific purposes like visa applications, background checks for certain professions, and immigration processes. When it comes to visa applications, the U.S. Department of State mandates fingerprinting for most visa applicants seeking to enter the United States, including those applying for non-immigrant (NIV) and immigrant (IV) visas. Applicants ages 14-79 must be fingerprinted for NIV, and all IV applicants 14 years old and above must be fingerprinted, according to state department records. In some cases, children aged 7 or over applying for an IV or NIV may be subject to fingerprinting. As it pertains to the immigration process, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) collects fingerprint records as part of the background check process for applicants for naturalization, or in layman's terms, gaining U.S. citizenship. An applicant may qualify for a waiver of the fingerprint requirement if they are unable to provide fingerprints due to a medical condition or other circumstances. According to the Justia Immigration Law Center, Fingerprints are collected at application support centers in the applicant's area. In Illinois, fingerprinting is generally required for licensures through background checks. A number of professions (law enforcement, child care and education, just to name a few) require criminal background checks, where fingerprinting is typically a part of the process. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Illinois 'Super Mayor' Tiffany Henyard loses by a landslide in bid for reelection
A northeastern Illinois politician and self-proclaimed 'Super Mayor' was defeated by a landslide in Tuesday's democratic primaries. Tiffany Henyard (D), the scandal-plagued mayor of the village of Dolton, ran against Jason House (D). Henyard lost with 536 votes, while House reeled in 3,896, or 87.91% of the votes Tuesday, according to the Cook County Clerk's Office. While campaigning to stay in office as Dolton mayor on Tuesday, Henyard reminded residents of the repaved streets, alleys and sidewalks she brought to fruition, as well as a $1.5 million grant for infrastructure and a $3 million grant to rebuild Dolton. Henyard went live on Facebook Tuesday night encouraging residents to vote for her. 'We're almost to the finish line,' she said. 'One hour left before we make history once again in the village of Dolton and take this by a landslide.' More political news: What is a gold card? What is a green card? What to know about Trump's proposal According to television station WGN-TV, Henyard said she has accepted the election outcome. 'The people have spoken,' Henyard told the station. 'God must have a different plan.' Her opponent, House, told CBS Chicago that he is 'ecstatic' about the outcome. Seemingly commenting on Henyard's past behavior, he said 'this does not represent Dolton.' 'We had one rogue individual,' he said. 'I'm sure Dolton is proud, and we are happy that we are ready to change the narrative.' When asked how he felt about Henyard failing to get 1,000 votes, he said he is proud of the residents of Dolton. 'For the last four years, she was taking us in the wrong direction,' House said. 'The board saw that … Anybody that goes off in the wrong direction needs to be corrected.' Henyard designated herself "Super Mayor" after she was elected mayor and then in 2022 became supervisor of Thornton Township, the largest township in the state of Illinois, reported television station WMAQ-TV. Henyard's self-proclaimed "Super Mayor" title is a play on her two former titles as mayor and supervisor. Henyard was elected in February 2021 after serving as a village trustee for eight years. She is Dolton's first and youngest woman mayor in the village's 130-year history, according to the village's website. Henyard has had multiple issues with the Village of Dolton's Board Trustees and has previously said some board members were out on a "power and a money grab.' Community members have previously accused Henyard of mishandling the village's finances, and hired former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to investigate. Lightfoot announced her findings last month, noting that credit cards were used for unauthorized projects. One example she provided included $48,000 spent on an ice rink. The fees were charged to village credit cards without board approval and no competitive bidding process, according to WGN-TV. According to Lightfoot, spending was at its highest in 2023. Expenses included $775,000 on credit cards, of which more than $200,000 went to Amazon. More than $117,000 was spent on travel, including business trips to Las Vegas, WGN-TV reported. Lightfoot suggested that the village board create monthly financial reports to share with the public and adopt a credit card spending policy, the television station reported. Henyard was previously found in contempt of court because although the board had previously approved some businesses to receive liquor licenses, Henyard failed to sign the licenses, WGN-TV reported. Henyard has called negative remarks about her service a 'smear campaign.' 'I am rare and truly care about my communities,' she wrote online in September 2024. This story has been updated to clarify Henyard's self-proclaimed title of 'Super Mayor'. Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tiffany Henyard loses 2025 Dolton mayor election by a landslide
