Bill > SB1547

This bill amends the Illinois Municipal Code to modify how alderpersons (city council members) are elected in cities with fewer than 100,000 residents. Currently, if a majority of voters approve a ballot proposition to stagger alderperson terms, the election process will be adjusted so that at the next regular election, candidates from odd-numbered wards will be elected to 2-year terms, while candidates from even-numbered wards will be elected to 4-year terms. This approach ensures that approximately half of the city council is up for election every two years, providing continuity in city governance while also allowing for regular voter input. The bill requires that the proposition be placed on the ballot if a petition signed by at least 10% of voters from the last mayoral election is submitted to the city clerk. This change gives smaller cities more flexibility in structuring their local government elections and potentially creating more stable and representative municipal leadership.

Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1547&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104