summary
Introduced
01/27/2026
01/27/2026
In Committee
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Illinois Drainage Code. In provisions concerning the election of commissioners in districts organized under Farm Drainage Act and certain other districts, provides that an adult landowner is entitled to one vote per parcel of land owned by the owner. Specifies that, if a parcel of land is owned by more than one adult owner, then only one of the owners representing all of the owners may cast a vote per parcel. Provides that, by casting a vote, the voter certifies that the voter is the owner of the parcel. Provides that, if a parcel of land is owned by multiple owners, then the voter casting a vote certifies that a majority of the owners has granted the voter the authority to cast a vote on behalf of all the owners. Provides that, if a parcel of land is owned by an entity, then the person presenting himself or herself on behalf of the entity certifies that the person has the authority to vote on behalf of the entity. Provides that only people owning land in a district may be elected as a commissioner of the district. Provides that a commissioner holding the office that is being considered for election shall not be a judge of the election. Provides that the judges of election shall not be responsible for determining the ownership of any parcel of land. Provides that the judges of election may take reasonable measures to verify that no more than one person casts a vote for all the owners of any parcel. Provides that a person who willfully misrepresents the person's eligibility to cast a vote in an election under these provisions commits a Class A misdemeanor. Provides that the polls shall open at 4:00 p.m. (rather than 2:00 p.m.) and close at 6:00 p.m. (rather than 4:00 p.m.) unless the judges of election shall determine to hold the polls open a longer period to accommodate the voters. Provides that in no event shall the polls remain open later than 7:00 p.m. (rather than 6:00 p.m.).
AI Summary
This bill modifies the election process for commissioners in drainage districts organized under the Farm Drainage Act and similar districts, establishing that each adult landowner gets one vote per parcel of land owned, with only one owner allowed to vote per parcel if jointly owned, and that voter certifies they are the owner or have majority authorization. It also clarifies that only landowners within a district can be elected as commissioners, prevents a commissioner whose seat is up for election from judging the election, and shifts the responsibility of verifying land ownership from election judges to the voters themselves, who may face Class A misdemeanor charges for misrepresenting their eligibility. Additionally, the bill adjusts polling hours, opening at 4:00 p.m. and closing at 6:00 p.m., with the possibility of extending until 7:00 p.m. to accommodate voters.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Patrick J. Joyce (on 02/18/2026)
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