Numbers Reveal a Great Deal

(NOTE: The reference to “Junior College” preceded the use of “Community College” and is reflective of the historical period of the following information)

Support for a junior college district in McHenry County came from 61.5% of the 9,394 voters who participated in the April 1, 1967 referendum. Opponents numbered 38.5%. However, this simple majority vote was not sufficient in this election, according to State Junior College laws of the time. A majority vote in both incorporated and unincorporated McHenry County was required.

The official results showed 64% of 5,384 incorporated area voters and 58% of 4,010 unincorporated area voters approved the district formation.

April 1, 1967 Votes

Click on chart for expanded view

The chart visualizes how the voters in incorporated and unincorporated areas expressed their opinions regarding the formation of a junior college in McHenry County. The grids are representative of percentages of ‘yes’ or ‘no’ votes in each high school district. In the columns, green represents positive votes: a lighter hue for incorporated areas and a dark green for unincorporated. In contrast, darker orange represents the incorporated area’s negative votes, and lighter orange, the negative votes in unincorporated areas. A small portion of Wauconda High School District, largely in Lake County, stretched into unincorporated McHenry County allowing those voters to cast a ballot.

Mostly rural areas comprised McHenry County at the time of the referendum. It wasn’t easy convincing voters that a junior college would be a great benefit for their future.

A Reason for Celebration
Join us Sunday, April 15, 2007 for Open House festivities commemorating the formation of McHenry County College. More events will take place in mid-July and September. Be sure to watch this site for details!

Share Your Thoughts
Your memories and thoughts about McHenry County College are valuable. If you attended classes or any of the numerous events held at the college, or you were employed at MCC, please post your memories. We also need a little help putting names with people in the archival photos accumulated over the years.

Call toll-free 1-866-788-9911 or send an email with contact information to 40years@mchenry.edu and join the celebration!

Iris Bryan