County website - user UNfriendly

Shouldn't it be easy to find information on the McHenry County website? Like, for example, if you are a voter and want to find out in what District you live, so that you can call your County Board member?

This morning I was trying to help a reader to learn on what District he lives. Sure, I could have called the County Election Board, but why not just look it up online myself? Yeah, sure... I ended up having to call for the answer...

Try going to the County's website at http://co.mchenry.il.us

First, you must put on your thinking cap to even find the names of County Board members. Why? Because there is no simple link for them. " Go on; I dare you. Look down the Quick Links on the left-side menu.

After you go by "County Board Appointments" several times and start pulling your hair out, go back and click on "County Board Appointments."

Why wouldn't you look there in the first place? Because County Board members are elected, not appointed! But that's where you will find their names.

Next you must figure out in which District you live... How do you do that? Try "District Maps" on the Appointments' page. Clicking on the District "number" on that map will bring up a list of township precincts. OK, so then how do you learn (quickly, easily and online) in what township precinct you live?

Earlier in the year I found a search function on the State Board of Elections website. Today I couldn't easily find it.

So, back to the County's website homepage. Try "Departments" for the Elections Commission. No luck.

Try the "A-Z Services" tab. (Why don't they consolidate Departments and A-Z Services?

Election Information... Put in your name to find out whether you are registered to vote. Then scroll down and enter your address. Bingo. All sorts of good information, including the number of the County Board District!