MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

The call for a constitutional convention was defeated in Illinois by a margin of approximately 68 percent to 32 percent.

The measure would have required a 60 percent "yes" vote to succeed.

Voters were asked whether the state should call a constitutional convention, a question put on the ballot every 20 years as required by state law.

Even though voters rejected the ballot referendum, legal challenges could end up in a do-over.

Controversy erupted over the referendum in the weeks leading up to the election because of misleading language printed on the ballot. That led to lawsuits filed in Chicago against the State Board of Elections and the Illinois Secretary of State.

A Cook County judge ordered corrective notices regarding the language on the ballot be given to each voter. Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn said the ruling was binding statewide.

Judge Nathan Howse's order was further backed up by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan who told local election officials to comply.

Reports of non-compliance popped up in some parts of the state during early voting and on election day.

In Kankakee County, State's Attorney Jamie Boyd indicated he would not be complying with Howse's ordcr.

The Chicago Bar Association (CBA), which filed one of the suits against the state agencies, has asked voters to complete affidavits stating whether or not they had received corrective notices.

Attorney Steve Pflaum of Chicago, who represents the CBA, has said his client wants to determine how well the order was complied with throughout the state.

Affidavits may be returned to pollwatcher@chicagobar.org or by fax to 312-554-2054.