Effort underway to block referendum in Normal creating council districts instead of at-large representation

Posted on August 19, 2022

*Petition with almost 2,200 signatures filed Monday, August 8, 2022 with Normal Town Clerk Angie Huonker. (Photo courtesy 25 News)*

NORMAL – A challenge has been made to efforts aiming to create town council districts in Normal rather than the current system of council members representing the entire community.

Normal resident Patrick J. Dullard has filed with the clerk’s office an objection to petitions calling for a voter referendum this November.

Dullard claims only villages in the state can make the change to district representation. Also, he claims referendum advocates did not gather enough valid signatures to get on the ballot, failing to meet the requirement of at least 5% of the community’s voters.

“My interest in filing this objection is to protect my right as a citizen of the Town of Normal to vote for all members of the Town Council.,” said Dullard.

Instead of submitting the referendum to the county clerk to be included on the November ballot, Normal’s Electoral Board will meet Monday afternoon to consider Dullard’s objection.

The board is composed of Mayor Chris Koos, Council member Kevin McCarthy, and Town Clerk Angie Huonker.

Among the issues to be discussed Monday is whether the board will hire a hearing officer who would review the case and make a recommendation on the validity of Dullard’s objection.

Monday’s meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. at City Hall in Uptown Station.

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