The thought of Peoria deciding to “reform” the current voting process should be a cause of concern for all Peorians, especially minorities.
The forums being held to give citizens a chance to offer input are a must, but getting a good representative sample of citizens who know enough about the process is a challenge.
I'm pleased to see that local civil rights leader, Joyce Banks is taking part in the discussions. Mrs. Banks is a part of the history of Peoria’s voting rights process, her involvement gives me some hope that the fairest system will prevail.
Peoria voting forum raises questions
Questions about the effectiveness of the process in reforming Peoria city government and how its members are elected surfaced during a public forum Wednesday, where about 30 people gathered at the Frank Campbell Community Room at RiverWest.
The goal is to see whether cumulative voting should continue as a way to elect the city's five at-large council members.
Some people questioned if a federal judge's opinion would be sought by city leaders if the City Council opts to move away from cumulative voting. In return, the council could endorse increasing the number of districts from the current five.
The meeting at RiverWest was the second of two public forums on cumulative voting and the future political makeup of the council.
The City Council on Nov. 15 will likely decide if the city should pursue an opinion from a federal judge on whether a new political map - and the potential for increased districts, along with the elimination of cumulative voting - should be allowed to move forward.
If so, the council could endorse a referendum for the March 20 election.
Cumulative voting has been the way the public has voted for at-large candidates since 1991.
Its unique style allows a voter to potentially cast five votes for one candidate, or to divide the votes proportionally.
It was instituted after a 1987 federal lawsuit was brought by black voters against the City Council, District 150 and the Peoria Park Board aimed at increasing the number of minorities elected to public office.
Debates have ensued in recent years about whether cumulative voting has actually attracted more minority political representation.
Joyce Banks, a plaintiff in that 1987 lawsuit, said she once felt that going to 10 districts, and eliminating the at-large council seats, might produce a more fair council. She said she hopes a political scientist could examine the prospects of 10 districts to see if it could produce a better opportunity for greater minority representation on the Horesehoe. Source
Related articles: BANKS v. BD. OF ED., CITY OF PEORIA, SCH. D. 150; Rewind: History of City Council election process