Kane County Reporter

Heather Brown, the Republican candidate for Illinois State Senate District 25, recently raised questions on a Facebook post about the voting patterns in a district that reportedly lost population in 2023. Brown, who ran an uncontested race in the primary election, is set to compete against incumbent Democrat Karina Villa in the forthcoming general election.

"Yet somehow in the southern area of D25 they had the most vote by mail for a primary....interesting," said Brown, according to Facebook. "Glad we have a team of people looking into the numbers and we have a team of volunteers that will be working the general to match signatures and poll watch. If you would like to volunteer with credentials please fill out your information on my website to help clean the rolls in our State. I can help with Kane, Cook, and DuPage."

In her Facebook post dated March 27, Brown shared a link to an Illinois Policy post which featured a graphic stating "87 of 102 Illinois counties lost population in 2023." The caption accompanying the publication's post read: "Nearly all of Illinois counties shrank in 2023."

Screenshot of Heather Brown for IL March 27 Facebook post | Heather Brown for IL Facebook page

The data showed Cook County losing 24,494 residents, while St. Clair County and Lake County lost 1,347 and 1,139 residents respectively during that period. As per Illinois Policy's report, it was found that approximately 97% of those leaving the state relocated to less expensive states. The publication also referred to a study conducted by NPR Illinois and the University of Illinois in 2019 which revealed that around 61% of Illinois residents considered moving out of the state primarily due to high taxes.

According to information from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, each political party and candidate has the right to appoint one or two pollwatchers per precinct. These pollwatchers must be registered with their respective parties. Nonpartisan civic organizations within the county are allowed to appoint one pollwatcher per precinct provided only one watcher is present at any given time at the polling place. The statutes also allow both opponents and proponents of ballot propositions to appoint one pollwatcher per precinct who must be registered as a voter in the state.

The compiled statutes further provide details on appropriate credentials for pollwatchers and guidelines for situations where a polling place is deemed overcrowded with pollwatchers.

Brown currently serves as an Independent Alderman of West Chicago and is recognized for her seven-year tenure marked by her efforts to bridge political divides. She has been noted for her consistent "No" votes on levies, reflecting a commitment to fiscal conservatism. Brown's principled stance also extends to opposing water rate increases, indicating a dedication to responsible financial decisions that prioritize the community's well-being.