Among registered voters, private sector taxpayers outnumber state and local public sector workers and pensioners nearly nine to one in the 100th Illinois House district, according to a West Central Reporter analysis.
The 100th District covers parts of Morgan, Scott, Greene, Calhoun, Jersey, Pike, and Macoupin Counties in Southwestern Illinois. It is represented in Springfield by Republican Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville).
As of the March 2016 primary election, there were 75,889 registered voters in the 100th District; 68,432 are private sector taxpayers and 7,457 state or local government employees or pensioners.
The analysis comes amidst a raging debate over rising state and local government payroll spending and massive public pension debts, incurred unbeknownst to many local elected officials and taxpayers.
While they represent a small percentage of the overall vote, state and local government employees and pensioners do vote at higher rate than the average voter.
According to the analysis, voter turnout in 2014 was 49 percent for all voters. It was 74 percent for public employees and 79 percent for public pensioners.
In 2012, voter turnout was 58 percent with 55 percent of public employees turning out, and 79 percent of public pensioners.
Registered Voters: | 75,889 | |
Government Employees | 4,688 | 6% |
Government Pensioners | 2,769 | 4% |
TOTAL: | 7,457 | 10% |
2014 Votes: | 37,192 | |
Government Employees | 3,463 | 9% |
Government Pensioners | 2,193 | 6% |
TOTAL: | 5,656 | 15% |
2012 Votes: | 44,085 | |
Government Employees | 3,568 | 8% |
Government Pensioners | 2,385 | 5% |
TOTAL: | 5,948 | 13% |