Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Last November, Frank Lesko ran for Sangamon County Recorder on a bold campaign promise: “Hire me, so you can fire me.” His platform focused on eliminating the office and merging its duties with the Sangamon County Clerk’s Office.

Lesko, a Republican, won the election, and on Jan. 13, the Sangamon County Board approved placing the question on the ballot. Now, voters will decide the office’s fate in the April 1 election.

Both the local Democratic and Republican parties support the measure and are urging voters to approve it. In an official statement, Sangamon County Democratic Chair Bill Houlihan emphasized the benefits of the merger.

“Voters want a government that works for the people, no matter their political affiliation. Consolidating the County Recorder’s Office with the County Clerk’s Office is good government. This will help save taxpayer dollars with very little interruption of services. The Sangamon County Democrats believe this proposal gives our community the best path forward. I encourage all Democrats to vote YES,” Houlihan said.

If voters approve the consolidation, the offices will officially merge on December 1, 2026.

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