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Will East Moline lose its parties?

The East Moline City Council approved taking party affiliation out of city elections.

EAST MOLINE, Illinois - The East Moline City Council approved taking party affiliation out of city elections.

The council was split during Monday night's meeting, October 3, 2016, so the mayor was the deciding vote.

Through a referendum, voters will now decide if they want to switch to non-partisan city elections.

A federal law does not allow federal employees to run for office.

Mayor John Thodos says the move would open the door for employees of the Rock Island Arsenal to run for a city office.

Mayor Thodos said, "at the end of the day I have to do what is best for the people I represent.  Above party, above everything else.  The people I represent.  If a city like Chicago can figure it out, I think East Moline can figure it out."

The referendum will take place in April.

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