Op-Ed: Ex-Skokie Village Trustee Endorses Electoral Reform Referendums

By Ilonka Ulrich, a Skokie Village Trustee from 2013 to 2021

I am writing about the three referendum reforms on the ballot for Skokie this election: non-partisan elections, staggered terms, and hybrid representation. This vote will determine the outcome for many years to come, and my reaction reflects my sincere views of what I know, what I have seen firsthand, and what I feel regarding the ballot measures.

I speak to all of you as an ex-trustee with the Skokie Caucus Party. The current Skokie Caucus Party came into being over half a century ago to reform the then-existing electoral system. Today, they oppose what some Skokie citizens now seek to improve. I was the first woman of color to sit on the board, and I appreciate that opportunity. Together, we did many great things for our community, and they continue hiring the most professional and experienced employees to help Skokie run smoothly. But this is not about The Party.

Like many, I am dismayed by the divisiveness of federal politics in our country, and it’s trickling down to local elections. I have concerns with the mailer in circulation misinforming voters of the issues at stake with the referendum proposed by the Skokie Alliance on electoral reform and asking us not to interfere with the election.

Well, I vote yes. I vote yes because I believe in allowing anyone to run for office, even those not part of the Skokie Caucus Party. I vote yes because this party has maintained a stranglehold on trustee elections for 60 years. I vote yes because it increases the chances that diverse voices are heard rather than quelling those underrepresented voices with optics. I vote yes so people who hold different points of view from my own may have the chance to represent me. That's what democracy is all about.

If you run non-partisan elections, it forces the candidates to run on their policies and viewpoints rather than voting for a group wherein you have no idea how they lean. Do you know how the current trustees lean? Are your government officials held accountable if they are members of the same party running the government and appointing the same commissioners that may review your performance? Having more than one voice allows those elected to vote their conscience.

Imagine if our country was run by only one party. Why would our vote matter? How do we effectuate change? Ask yourself who benefits from a one-party rule. Ask yourself why you are being urged not to "meddle" with our electoral process. It is scary and sad to know someone else might replace you, but that's democracy. You can continue voting as you have consistently voted or vote for change. Either way, whether you vote YES or NO on electoral reform, this is your Skokie, be informed, be inquisitive, vote, and meddle!

Respectfully and with Sincerity,
Ilonka Ulrich

This editorial was provided by former Skokie Village Trustee Ilonka Ulrich. The views expressed here are the author’s own.