East Central Reporter

The Illinois Attorney General's Public Access Counselor (PAC) has issued determinations against Ford and Marion Counties for violating the Open Meetings Act. The violations occurred when the counties conducted secret ballot votes in closed sessions last December to elect their county board chairmen.

The PAC stated that these actions contravened Section 2(e) of the Open Meetings Act, which requires that final actions be taken openly. "It is undisputed that the Board selected a new chair and vice-chair by secret ballots that did not reveal the vote of each member," noted the determination. "Because such ballot votes contravene the public policy and intent of OMA that final actions be taken openly, this office concludes that the Board violated section 2(e) at its December 2, 2024, meeting."

The issue was brought to light by concerns raised about transparency in public body voting processes. Following attention from respective boards, it appears resolutions were reached regarding these violations.