A proposal to amend the Lake Forest Caucus bylaws to allow electronic voting once again failed to secure the votes needed for approval.

More than 1,200 people cast ballots Jan. 24 at the Gorton Center, with 771 voting in favor and 456 opposed — just under 63 % supporting the change. Under Caucus rules, however, bylaw amendments require a two-thirds majority to pass, leaving the proposal short of adoption.

Caucus leadership supported the amendment, arguing that allowing electronic voting through devices such as phones and tablets would increase participation. Under current rules, members are required to vote in person.

Opponents raised concerns about the security and verification of electronic voting.

The vote marked the second time in three months that Caucus members weighed in on the proposal. In an Oct. 14 vote, the amendment received more than 64 percent approval among the 671 ballots cast but still fell 21 votes short of the two-thirds threshold.

At the time, Caucus leadership cited Metra delays as a factor that may have prevented some members from reaching the Gorton Center before voting closed. In response, leaders revised the amendment’s language and scheduled the second vote for a Saturday to reduce transportation and work-related obstacles.

While turnout nearly doubled in the Jan. 24 vote, the amendment again failed to gain sufficient support.

Caucus President Regina Etherton expressed disappointment with the outcome, saying she believed misinformation had circulated regarding the proposal.

“The irony here is that the vast majority in our community wants it,” Etherton said.

Opponents of the measure welcomed the result, describing it as part of a broader pattern of tension between Caucus leadership and the general membership that dates back several years.

Among the critics was JoAnn Desmond, a frequent Caucus detractor.

“I hope that this vote signals to Caucus leadership the need to hear all voices and to rebuild trust with ALL the citizens of Lake Forest,” Desmond wrote in a statement. “There has been so much divisiveness over the past three years that this would be an ideal opportunity for the Caucus to work collaboratively to bring our community together.”

With the proposal defeated for a second time, Etherton said she does not anticipate another attempt to amend the bylaws.

Founded in 1935, the Lake Forest Caucus vets and recommends residents for service on city boards and commissions. Candidates for public office, including mayor, City Council, and public school boards, often run unopposed in elections after receiving a Caucus endorsement.

Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/27/lake-forest-caucus-proposed-amendment-fails/