summary
Introduced
01/29/2026
01/29/2026
In Committee
02/10/2026
02/10/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Illinois Drainage Code. In provisions concerning the election of commissioners in drainage districts organized under the Farm Drainage Act and certain other districts, provides that an adult owner of property in a drainage district is entitled to one vote per acre or part of an acre within each parcel of land owned by the owner and located in the district. Provides that, if a parcel of land is owned by more than one adult owner, only one of the owners representing all of the owners may cast a ballot for that parcel. Provides that the votes represented by the ballot shall equal the number of acres or part of an acre shown on the face of the ballot. Provides that, by casting a ballot, the voter certifies that he or she is the owner of the land or, when the land is owned by multiple owners, the voter casting the ballot certifies that a majority of the owners have granted him or her the authority to cast the ballot on behalf of all the owners. Changes the time that the polls may be open. Provides that the commissioners acting as the judges of the election shall not be responsible for determining the ownership of any parcel of land and may rely upon the representations of the person presenting himself or herself as the owner of the parcel or the person authorized by a majority of the other owners of the parcel to cast the ballot on behalf of all the owners. Makes conforming and other changes.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Illinois Drainage Code to change how landowners vote for drainage district commissioners, who are officials responsible for managing drainage systems. Previously, voting rules were less specific, but now, each adult landowner gets one vote for every acre or part of an acre they own within the district, with each parcel of land having a ballot that lists its acreage and owner(s). If a parcel has multiple owners, only one designated owner, authorized by a majority of the other owners, can cast the ballot for that parcel, and by voting, they certify their authority. The bill also adjusts the hours polls are open and clarifies that the commissioners acting as election judges are not responsible for verifying land ownership, but can rely on the voter's representation of ownership or authorization from other owners, though they can take steps to ensure only one ballot is cast per parcel, and intentionally misrepresenting eligibility is a misdemeanor.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As March 27, 2026 (on 03/13/2026)
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