Bills would change up Illinois primary, campaign financing

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois electoral system would see changes under proposals in the state legislature, including ones on primaries and campaign finance.

The State Journal-Register (http://bit.ly/1E9s4He ) reports the primary for state and federal elections would be pushed back to at least late June under two bills introduced by Democratic and Republican lawmakers. Republican Rep. Steven Andersson of Geneva says lawmakers currently spend too much time campaigning. Last year's primary took place March 18.

Another proposed change to primaries from two lawmakers would eliminate a requirement to declare a party when voting, which is public record. Reps. Scott Drury and Mike Fortner both say the current system discourages people from voting in primaries.

Public campaign financing would be available to candidates under another bill. The idea was first introduced in 2007.

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Information from: The State Journal-Register, http://www.sj-r.com