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Dozens of Referenda on Ballots Across Chicago Area in 2026 Illinois Primary
Voters to weigh in on local priorities like term limits, license plate readers, and infrastructure funding
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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Dozens of municipalities across the Chicago area have referenda and propositions on the ballot in the 2026 Illinois primary, giving voters the opportunity to weigh in on local priorities. Experts say some referenda and propositions are put on primary ballots instead of the general election ballot in November because they want to accomplish their goal faster, or because they believe the likely voter makeup is more friendly to their cause.
Why it matters
These referenda cover a wide range of local issues that can have a significant impact on communities, from term limits and public safety to infrastructure funding and school improvements. The results will shape the policies and priorities of these municipalities for years to come.
The details
The referenda include proposals to limit terms for elected officials in Berwyn, Dolton, and Niles, as well as measures to increase funding for firefighter pensions, issue bonds for road improvements and library expansions, and allow self-driving taxis in Niles. There are also referenda on topics like increasing penalties for failing to remove dog feces in Franklin Park and exploring a partnership between Elgin and Elgin Community College to develop walking paths.
- The 2026 Illinois primary election will be held on March 17, 2026.
The players
Berwyn
A city in Cook County, Illinois that has a referendum on the ballot to limit elected officials to three consecutive full terms.
Burnham
A village in Cook County, Illinois that has a referendum on the ballot to purchase additional license plate readers to enhance public safety.
Dolton
A village in Cook County, Illinois that has referenda on the ballot to seek additional state funding to mitigate flooding and to amend term limits for elected officials.
Niles
A village in Cook County, Illinois that has referenda on the ballot to limit elected officials to five four-year terms and to permit commercial autonomous ride services (self-driving taxis) to operate within the village.
Elgin Community College
A community college in Elgin, Illinois that may partner with the City of Elgin to develop walking paths.
What’s next
Voters in the affected municipalities will cast their ballots on the referenda during the 2026 Illinois primary election on March 17, 2026. The results will determine whether the proposed changes are enacted.
The takeaway
These referenda demonstrate the wide range of local issues that voters in the Chicago area will have a direct say in during the 2026 primary election. The outcomes will shape the policies and priorities of these communities for years to come.
