A proposal to amend the bylaws of the Lake Forest Caucus to permit electronic voting has once again failed to gain the necessary support. During a vote held on January 24, 2024, at the Gorton Center, over 1,200 residents participated, with 771 in favor and 456 against the amendment. This resulted in approximately 63% support, falling short of the two-thirds majority required for adoption.
The leadership of the Caucus endorsed the amendment, emphasizing that allowing voting through electronic devices such as phones and tablets would enhance community participation. Currently, Caucus regulations mandate that members vote in person, a rule opponents argue could hinder engagement. Concerns regarding the security and verification of electronic voting were raised by those against the proposed change.
This vote marks the second time in three months that Caucus members have considered the amendment. In a previous vote on October 14, 2023, the proposal received more than 64% approval from 671 ballots cast but still fell short by 21 votes of the required threshold. Caucus leadership indicated that delays on the Metra train service might have contributed to lower attendance that day.
In response to the previous vote, Caucus leaders modified the language of the amendment and scheduled the second vote on a Saturday, anticipating increased turnout by minimizing transportation issues. While participation nearly doubled in the most recent vote, the proposal again lacked sufficient backing.
Caucus President Regina Etherton expressed her disappointment with the outcome, suggesting that misinformation may have influenced public perception of the proposal. “The irony here is that the vast majority in our community wants it,” Etherton stated.
Opponents of the amendment celebrated the vote’s outcome, viewing it as indicative of ongoing tensions between Caucus leadership and the broader membership. Frequent Caucus critic JoAnn Desmond commented, “I hope that this vote signals to Caucus leadership the need to hear all voices and to rebuild trust with ALL the citizens of Lake Forest.” Desmond highlighted the divisiveness that has characterized the past three years, urging a collaborative approach to unify the community.
With the proposal defeated for a second time, Etherton noted that she does not foresee another attempt to amend the bylaws in the near future. Established in 1935, the Lake Forest Caucus plays a significant role in vetting and recommending residents for positions on city boards and commissions. Often, candidates for public office, including those for mayor, City Council, and public school boards, run unopposed after receiving endorsements from the Caucus.
