Dear Mr. White:

I write to offer two constructive suggestions.

The first deals with the public's ability (or, more correctly, inability) to observe meetings of the Board. On December 21, I appeared in your offices in the Thompson Center as attorney for a candidate. The hearing space was so cramped that only the participants in the ten or so hearings that day were allowed into the meeting room on a “case-by-case” basis – that is to say, only the parties were allowed in (not the general public), and only when their respective cases were being heard.

I recognize that space at the Thompson Center is at a premium – but I also believe that some sort of accommodation must be made in order to assure the Board's compliance with provisions of the Illinois Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/1). Perhaps you will consider remote television monitors (or something similar) if this circumstance arises again. Over the longer term – perhaps you will consider Internet broadcasting of all ISBE meetings through the use of webcams.

My second concern deals with ballot applications derived from your suggested form SBE No. A-14. In the McHenry County variation (copy attached), you will note that prospective voters may check “Democratic”, “Republican”, “Nonpartisan”, or fill in a blank. Therein exists a bias, albeit a subtle one: Green Party and Moderate Party voters in McHenry County must write out the name of their party; Republicans and Democrats do not. Perhaps some voters who might otherwise be inclined to take Moderate or Green ballots will not do so merely because the application form does not make them aware of the possibility.

May I respectfully suggest that Illinois election authorities using pre-printed application forms must do one of two things: either print the names of all established parties (of which there presently are four in McHenry County), or require all voters to write out their party of choice. To preprint some party names and not others is bias – unintended as that bias may be.

Thank you for your consideration of my suggestions.

Very truly yours,

Scott K. Summers