Suburban Chicago voters will head to the polls in coming weeks, and some will be faced with hugely consequential referendums and questions about how their local governments work.
In the 2026 general election, numerous communities will vote on bond issues for school and library construction, while others will be asked whether they should implement term limits for public officials, or even cede the selection of certain officials to various governmental bodies.
A handful of counties will also have advisory questions, including on a potential “Millionaire’s Tax” or whether a consolidation effort should be undertaken for townships, school districts and more.
Here is a selection of referendums voters may face this November, and links to ballot finding tools for voters in each Illinois county in the NBC 5 viewing area.
Cook County
In Cook County, voters will be asked an advisory question on whether the state should adopt the ‘Millionaire Amendment,’ which would add a 3% income tax surcharge on millionaires and use 50% of the revenue to provide property tax relief, and 50% to improve state funding for public education.
Term limits will also be on the ballot in numerous communities, including in Alsip, Calumet Park, Crestwood, and Markham.
In Orland Township, voters will not only be asked whether they should have the right to propose ordinances via voter petition, but also to evaluate whether those ordinances should become law.
In addition, voters in Community School District 300, which includes communities in Cook, DeKalb, Kane and McHenry counties, will be asked to authorize more than $355 million in bonds to build a new Career and Technical Education Center, as well as implementing repairs at various school buildings.
East Maine School District will seek bonds of approximately $120 million to repair and improve security in schools, while Moraine Valley Community College will seek $115 million in bonds to build and repair buildings for automation, engineering, fire science, EMS services, automotive repair, HVAC and welding programs.
Township High School District 214, which includes multiple high schools in Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove and other communities, will seek $295 million in bonds to repair and equip school buildings.
Finally, Evergreen Park voters will be asked to approve $68 million in bonds for a new middle school, and Skokie Park District residents will be asked to approve $53 million in bonds for a new rec center and additional recreational facilities.
DeKalb County
Voters in Community School District 300, which includes communities in Cook, DeKalb, Kane and McHenry counties, will be asked to authorize more than $355 million in bonds to build a new Career and Technical Education Center, as well as implementing repairs at various school buildings.
Grundy County
All county voters will be asked via an advisory referendum to approve a study of consolidation of school districts, townships and fire protection districts “when it can be demonstrated that such consolidation would improve efficiency, maintain or enhance service levels, and reduce long-term cost to taxpayers?”
Kane County
Voters in Community School District 300, which includes communities in Cook, DeKalb, Kane and McHenry counties, will be asked to authorize more than $355 million in bonds to build a new Career and Technical Education Center, as well as implementing repairs at various school buildings.
Oswego School District 308 will seek $317 million in bonds to repair and equip school buildings with new security features, HVAC systems, and other repairs.
Yorkville School District 115 will also be seeking $159 million in bonds to build two new school buildings.
Kankakee County
County voters will be asked if Board of Education members should be elected on an at-large basis beginning in 2029.
Kendall County
Oswego School District 308 is seeking $317 million in bonds to repair and equip school buildings with new security features, HVAC systems, and other repairs.
Yorkville School District 115 will be seeking $159 million in bonds to build two new school buildings.
Lake County
All Lake County residents will be asked whether to institute a 1% sales tax to be used for school facilities, school resource officers, and mental health professionals.
Highland Park will ask voters whether the offices of mayor and councilmember should be term-limited to two full four-year terms.
Lake Zurich residents will vote on issuing $20.3 million in bonds to build a new fire station, while Wauconda and Round Lake residents will be asked whether to allow the village clerk to be appointed by the board of trustees and the village president, rather than elected.
McHenry County
Voters in Community School District 300, which includes communities in Cook, DeKalb, Kane and McHenry counties, will be asked to authorize more than $355 million in bonds to build a new Career and Technical Education Center, as well as implementing repairs at various school buildings.
An advisory referendum in McHenry County will ask voters whether they want to become a ‘home rule county,” according to officials.
Will County
Voters in Oswego School District 308 will be asked to approve $317 million in bonds to repair and equip school buildings with new security features, HVAC systems, and other repairs.
