Although a low voter turnout for the Nov. 7 general election is expected, DeKalb County supporters of the 911 referendum are not giving up.

The DeKalb Police Department is “hoping very strongly” that the referendum will pass, Sgt. Robert McMorrow said. But it is up to the voters to take the time and vote, he said.

The lack of enthusiasm for this ballot is the only drawback, said Lt. Kevin Hickey, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. During the next two weeks, an advertising and a door-to-door blitz will occur to create awareness, he said.

A predicted 30- to 35-percent voter turnout is expected for the election, because there is no competition for the DeKalb District School Board, said DeKalb County Clerk Terry Desmond.

Part of the referendum will include the maximum 84-cent cost per telephone line each month to cover the system. This expense cannot be raised unless it passes on another referendum, Hickey said. This charge will not affect NIU residence hall students, said NIU Telecommunication Supervisor Dale Pollett.

If the system is approved by a majority vote, every user will receive an identification number. Calls will be selectively routed to Public Service Answering Points and then transmitted to local points in the communities, such as the fire or police departments. The system is entirely computerized and will take only a few seconds to process each call, Hickey said.

Currently, NIU is the only location in DeKalb County with a 911 emergency phone system. This system, Basic 911, has the ability to connect the voice to a telephone number.

The system includes an emergency phone number that has been condensed to a three digit number, Hickey said. With this system, finding the location of the caller is still delayed, McMorrow said.

The Enhanced 911 system, which will be voted on, has the ability to obtain the address of the caller and provide supplemental information. The dispatcher can provide the telephone number of the caller, police, fire and ambulance service for the address and special medical or historical information about the address.

If the referendum passes, the system will be available to every resident and business located in DeKalb County. However, the surcharge will apply to each telephone number. No coins would be required when using a public pay phone.

DeKalb County has more than 30 emergency phone numbers and the 911 emergency phone number could eliminate confusion and time, Hickey said.

Public education is needed for the system to pass because “people don’t know the difference between basic and enhanced and many people feel they already have it (911), but they don’t,” Hickey said.

Any groups on- or off-campus interested in a 30-minute question-and-answer presentation about the system can contact Hickey at 895-2155 or McMorrow at 756-1421.