A proposal to amend the Lake Forest Caucus bylaws to permit electronic voting has once again failed to achieve the necessary approval. On January 24, 2024, over 1,200 residents cast their votes at the Gorton Center, with 771 supporting the change and 456 opposing it. This resulted in a support rate of just below 63 percent, falling short of the two-thirds majority required for bylaw amendments.
Caucus leadership advocated for the amendment, arguing that allowing electronic voting through devices like phones and tablets would enhance participation in the voting process. Currently, members are mandated to vote in person, a requirement that some believe limits engagement.
Opponents of the amendment raised significant concerns regarding the security and verification processes associated with electronic voting. This vote marked the second time in three months that the Caucus membership expressed its views on this proposal.
In an earlier vote on October 14, 2023, the amendment received over 64 percent approval from 671 ballots cast but ultimately fell 21 votes short of meeting the two-thirds threshold. Following that vote, Caucus leadership pointed to Metra delays as a potential reason some members were unable to reach the Gorton Center before voting concluded.
To address these concerns, leaders revised the amendment’s language and rescheduled the second vote for a Saturday, aiming to alleviate transportation and work-related obstacles. Despite a nearly doubled turnout in the January vote, the proposal again failed to secure sufficient backing.
Caucus President Regina Etherton expressed disappointment over the outcome, suggesting that misinformation may have influenced opinions about the proposal. “The irony here is that the vast majority in our community wants it,” Etherton stated after the results were announced.
Critics of the measure welcomed the defeat, viewing it as indicative of ongoing tensions between Caucus leadership and the general membership. JoAnn Desmond, a vocal opponent of the amendment, 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 emphasized the divisive atmosphere that has characterized the community in recent years, suggesting that this moment could serve as a catalyst for collaborative efforts moving forward.
With the proposal defeated for a second time, Etherton indicated that she does not foresee another attempt to amend the bylaws in the near future. The Lake Forest Caucus, established in 1935, plays a pivotal role in vetting and recommending residents for service on city boards and commissions. Candidates for public office, including mayor, City Council, and public school boards, often run unopposed in elections after receiving endorsements from the Caucus.
As the community reflects on this latest vote, it remains to be seen how the Caucus will address the concerns of its members and whether future proposals will gain the necessary support for change.
