(Chicago, IL) — February 24, 2010. An Illinois House panel has cleared the way to restore the Illinois primary election from February to March.
The Illinois House Elections and Campaign Reform Committee voted unanimously, 9-0, for legislation, House Bill 4964, sponsored by State Rep. Elaine Nekritz, who chairs the panel, to move the primary election date from the first Tuesday in February to the third Tuesday in March.
The February primary date, originally changed from March to help Barack Obama in his Democratic presidential quest, became a punching bag for critics this year–news media and candidates alike–that the sprint from New Year’s Day to the frosty first Tuesday in February was an impediment to voter education and turnout.
The bipartisan committee vote may bode well for the date change. We’ll see.
The legislation now moves to the full House for consideration.
Gov. Pat Quinn
Discussion
No comments yet.