OBSERVER REPORT: The Peoria Election Commission

April 19, 2017 - The meeting took place in order to certify the results of the April 4 consolidated general election The first order of business was to end the tie in the election for Hollis Park District. Mother, Anita Zeine, and son, Russell Zeine, were tied after the April 4 election. It was the first time members of the Commission used the tie-breaker protocol. First, Chairman Collins pulled a party name out of a bag to determine who would draw a number first. Then Anita Zeine drew a four from chits numbered one through ten. Russell Zeine drew a six and was declared the winner.
   The Commission approved a change in the hours that the office would be open to the public. Even though staff arrives at 8:00 am, the doors will not open until 8:30 to give staff time to get organized and ready for the day.
   There was actually higher voter turnout for the April 4 election than in the last two off-season elections. 

​The percent voting in the city was almost 20%, but because there were more registered voters this year, actual numbers were higher.
   After an update on the Brandywine building, the Commission wanted it on the record that they were unhappy with the length of time it has taken to ready the building. Unfortunately, the Commission is not the leaseholder; the County is. Hopefully, things are now on track for remodeling to occur and for a tentative move in date to be planned.
   In answer to a question from an attendee, Director Tom Bride explained in detail what determines a valid mail-in ballot. First, the ballot must be postmarked no later than Election Day. Then two judges, one from each major party, determine if the signature is a match. If there is any question about the validity of the signature, the voter is given the opportunity to prove that the ballot should count. That is why there is such a gap between Election Day and the day votes are certified.                                                               --  Irene Pritzker, Observer