The point man for “concealed carry” in Illinois is somewhat encouraged by the results of advisory votes in 10 counties Tuesday, including Mercer County. While some would say an advisory referendum carries no weight, Todd Vandermyde, lobbyist for the National Rifle Association in Illinois disagrees, saying it spotlights the Chicago and suburbs vs. Downstate divide on concealed carry.
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He says he’s awaiting the results of a federal court case which could strengthen concealed carry as a right, not a privilege. That, he says, could determine the chances of a concealed carry bill in the next General Assembly, which convenes Jan. 9.
In addition to Mercer County, voters in Adams, Bond, Henry, McDonough, Randolph, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stephenson and Warren also approved the concealed carry referendum. The margin was 6,376 to 1,789 in Mercer County.
Illinois is the only state that does not allow concealed carry under any circumstances, though it’s highly restricted in some of the states where it is permitted.