Peoria County Election Commission Observer Report

Executive Director Tom Bride gave an update on the primary election in March: 540 ballots have been mailed with 70 already returned, including the first one which came from Singapore!  He announced 150 early voters, but several more showed up during the board meeting.  He expects 20% of voters to vote by mail.
Director Bride would like to look into finding the best replacement for the current voting system.  The one in use now was purchased in 2005 and first used in March of 2006.  He is concerned that the vendor will stop supporting the current machines.  Machines would not be replaced until summer of 2021 so as not to interfere with this year's election cycle.  He is already holding discussions with the County and plans on sending out Requests for Information this summer so there would be plenty of time to make a decision.  Planning is difficult because the state could change to more vote by mail.  There is already discussion in the Legislature, and things can change very quickly.
Irene Pritzker, Observer
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