§ 3.1-20-20 — Alderpersons; restrict or reinstate number

(a) In a city of less than 100,000 inhabitants, a proposition to restrict the number of alderpersons to one-half of the total authorized by Section 3.1-20-10, with one alderperson representing each ward, shall be certified by the city clerk to the proper election authorities, who shall submit the proposition at an election in accordance with the general election law, if a petition requesting that action is signed by electors of the city numbering not less than 10% of the total vote cast at the last election for mayor of the city and the petition is filed with the city clerk. The proposition shall be substantially in the following form: Shall (name of city) restrict the number of alderpersons to (state number) (one-half of the total authorized by Section 3.1-20-10 of the Illinois Municipal Code), with one alderperson representing each ward? If a majority of those voting on the proposition vote in favor of it, all existing terms of alderpersons shall expire as of the date of the next regular election of alderpersons, at which time a full complement of alderpersons shall be elected for the full term. (b) In a city of less than 100,000 inhabitants, a proposition to restrict the number of alderpersons to one alderperson per ward, with one alderperson representing each ward, plus an additional number of alderpersons not to exceed the number of wards in the city to be elected at large, shall be certified by the city clerk to the proper election authorities, who shall submit the proposition at an election in accordance with the general election law, if a petition requesting that action is signed by electors of the city numbering not less than 10% of the total vote cast at the last election for mayor of the city and the petition is filed with the city clerk. The proposition shall be substantially in the following form: Shall (name of city) restrict the number of alderpersons to (number), with one alderperson representing each ward, plus an additional (number) alderperson (alderpersons) to be elected at large? If a majority of those voting on the proposition vote in favor of it, all existing terms of alderpersons shall expire as of the date of the next regular election of alderpersons, at which time a full complement of alderpersons shall be elected for the full term. (c) In a city of less than 100,000 inhabitants where a proposition under subsection (a) or (b) has been successful, a proposition to reinstate the number of alderpersons in accordance with Section 3.1-20-10 shall be certified by the city clerk to the proper election authorities, who shall submit the proposition at an election in accordance with the general election law, if a petition requesting that action has been signed by electors of the city numbering not less than 10% of the total vote cast at the last election for mayor of the city and the petition has been filed with the city clerk. The election authority must submit the proposition in substantially the following form: Shall (name of city) reinstate the number of alderpersons to (number of alderpersons allowed by Section 3.1-20-10)? The election authority must record the votes as "Yes" or "No". If a majority of the electors voting on the proposition vote in the affirmative, then, if the restriction in the number of alderpersons has taken effect, all existing terms of alderpersons shall expire as of the date of the next regular election of alderpersons, at which time a full complement of alderpersons shall be elected for the full term and thereafter terms shall be determined in accordance with Section 3.1-20-35.

Legislative History

(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)