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Illinois Compiled Statutes

Information maintained by the Legislative Reference Bureau
Updating the database of the Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) is an ongoing process. Recent laws may not yet be included in the ILCS database, but they are found on this site as Public Acts soon after they become law. For information concerning the relationship between statutes and Public Acts, refer to the Guide.

Because the statute database is maintained primarily for legislative drafting purposes, statutory changes are sometimes included in the statute database before they take effect. If the source note at the end of a Section of the statutes includes a Public Act that has not yet taken effect, the version of the law that is currently in effect may have already been removed from the database and you should refer to that Public Act to see the changes made to the current law.

MUNICIPALITIES
(65 ILCS 5/) Illinois Municipal Code.

65 ILCS 5/3.1-15-40

    (65 ILCS 5/3.1-15-40) (from Ch. 24, par. 3.1-15-40)
    Sec. 3.1-15-40. Staggered elections under minority plans. In all cities that adopt or have adopted the minority representation plan for the election of alderpersons and have not already staggered the terms of their alderpersons, the city council may provide by ordinance that at any ensuing general municipal election for city officers the alderpersons in every alternate district shall be elected for one term of 2 years and, at the expiration of that term of 2 years, for regular terms of 4 years. This Section does not prohibit a city from voting in favor of a 2 year term for city officers as provided in Section 3.1-10-65. The provisions of the general election law shall govern elections under this Section.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/Art. 3.1 Div. 20

 
    (65 ILCS 5/Art. 3.1 Div. 20 heading)
DIVISION 20. ELECTED CITY OFFICERS

65 ILCS 5/3.1-20-5

    (65 ILCS 5/3.1-20-5) (from Ch. 24, par. 3.1-20-5)
    Sec. 3.1-20-5. Clerk and treasurer. The city clerk and the city treasurer shall be elected at the same time that the mayor is elected, except in the case of an election to fill a mayoral vacancy and except in the case of a city having 10,000 or fewer inhabitants in which, by ordinance, the position of city treasurer is an appointed position. If a vacancy occurs in the office of city clerk or city treasurer, it shall be filled by the mayor with the advice and consent of the city council. The person so appointed shall hold office for the unexpired term of the officer elected.
(Source: P.A. 87-1119; 88-572, eff. 8-11-94.)

65 ILCS 5/3.1-20-10

    (65 ILCS 5/3.1-20-10) (from Ch. 24, par. 3.1-20-10)
    Sec. 3.1-20-10. Alderpersons; number.
    (a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, Section 3.1-20-20, or as otherwise provided in the case of alderpersons-at-large, the number of alderpersons, when not elected by the minority representation plan, shall be determined using the most recent federal decennial census results as follows:
        (1) in cities not exceeding 3,000 inhabitants, 6
    
alderpersons;
        (2) in cities exceeding 3,000 but not exceeding
    
15,000, 8 alderpersons;
        (3) in cities exceeding 15,000 but not exceeding
    
20,000, 10 alderpersons;
        (4) in cities exceeding 20,000 but not exceeding
    
50,000, 14 alderpersons;
        (5) in cities exceeding 50,000 but not exceeding
    
70,000, 16 alderpersons;
        (6) in cities exceeding 70,000 but not exceeding
    
90,000, 18 alderpersons; and
        (7) in cities exceeding 90,000 but not exceeding
    
500,000, 20 alderpersons.
    (b) Instead of the number of alderpersons set forth in subsection (a), a municipality with 15,000 or more inhabitants may adopt, either by ordinance or by resolution, not more than one year after the municipality's receipt of the new federal decennial census results, the following number of alderpersons: in cities exceeding 15,000 but not exceeding 20,000, 8 alderpersons; exceeding 20,000 but not exceeding 50,000, 10 alderpersons; exceeding 50,000 but not exceeding 70,000, 14 alderpersons; exceeding 70,000 but not exceeding 90,000, 16 alderpersons; and exceeding 90,000 but not exceeding 500,000, 18 alderpersons.
    (c) Instead of the number of alderpersons set forth in subsection (a), a municipality with 40,000 or more inhabitants may adopt, either by ordinance or by resolution, not more than one year after the municipality's receipt of the new federal decennial census results, the following number of alderpersons: in cities exceeding 40,000 but not exceeding 50,000, 16 alderpersons.
    (d) If, according to the most recent federal decennial census results, the population of a municipality increases or decreases under this Section, then the municipality may adopt an ordinance or resolution to retain the number of alderpersons that existed before the most recent federal decennial census results. The ordinance or resolution may not be adopted more than one year after the municipality's receipt of the most recent federal decennial census results.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/3.1-20-15

    (65 ILCS 5/3.1-20-15) (from Ch. 24, par. 3.1-20-15)
    Sec. 3.1-20-15. Division into wards. Except as otherwise provided in Section 3.1-20-20, every city shall have one-half as many wards as the total number of alderpersons to which the city is entitled. The city council, from time to time, shall divide the city into that number of wards.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/3.1-20-20

    (65 ILCS 5/3.1-20-20) (from Ch. 24, par. 3.1-20-20)
    Sec. 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.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/3.1-20-22

    (65 ILCS 5/3.1-20-22) (from Ch. 24, par. 3.1-20-22)
    Sec. 3.1-20-22. Alderpersons; staggered terms. In any city of less than 100,000 inhabitants, a proposition to stagger the terms of alderpersons, with as nearly as possible one-half of the alderpersons elected every 2 years, shall be certified by the city clerk to the proper election authority, 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 at least 10% of the total vote cast at the last election for mayor of the city and is filed with the city clerk.
    The ballot shall have printed on it, but not as a part of the proposition submitted, the following information for voters: one alderperson elected from each even-numbered ward shall serve a term of 2 years; one alderperson elected from each odd-numbered ward shall serve a term of 4 years.
    The proposition shall be substantially in the following form:
        Shall (name of city) adopt a system of staggered
    
terms for alderpersons?
    If a majority of those voting on the proposition vote in favor of it, then at the next regular election for alderpersons one alderperson shall be elected from each even-numbered ward for a term of 2 years and one alderperson shall be elected from each odd-numbered ward for a term of 4 years. Thereafter, their successors shall be elected for terms of 4 years.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/3.1-20-25

    (65 ILCS 5/3.1-20-25) (from Ch. 24, par. 3.1-20-25)
    Sec. 3.1-20-25. Redistricting a city.
    (a) In the formation of wards, the number of inhabitants of the city immediately preceding the division of the city into wards shall be as nearly equal in population, and the wards shall be of as compact and contiguous territory, as practicable. Wards shall be created in a manner so that, as far as practicable, no precinct shall be divided between 2 or more wards.
    (b) Whenever an official decennial census shows that a city contains more or fewer wards than it is entitled to, the city council of the city, by ordinance, shall redistrict the city into as many wards as the city is entitled. This redistricting shall be completed not less than 30 days before the first day set by the general election law for the filing of candidate petitions for the next succeeding election for city officers. At this election there shall be elected the number of alderpersons to which the city is entitled, except as provided in subsection (c).
    (c) If it appears from any official decennial census that it is necessary to redistrict under subsection (b) or for any other reason, the city council shall immediately proceed to redistrict the city and shall hold the next city election in accordance with the new redistricting. At this election the alderpersons whose terms of office are not expiring shall be considered alderpersons for the new wards respectively in which their residences are situated. At this election, in a municipality that is not a newly incorporated municipality, a candidate for alderperson may be elected from any ward that contains a part of the ward in which he or she resided at least one year next preceding the election that follows the redistricting, and, if elected, that person may be reelected from the new ward he or she represents if he or she resides in that ward for at least one year next preceding reelection. If there are 2 or more alderpersons with terms of office not expiring and residing in the same ward under the new redistricting, the alderperson who holds over for that ward shall be determined by lot in the presence of the city council, in the manner directed by the council, and all other alderpersons shall fill their unexpired terms as alderpersons-at-large. The alderpersons-at-large, if any, shall have the same powers and duties as all other alderpersons, but upon the expiration of their terms the offices of alderpersons-at-large shall be abolished.
    (d) If the redistricting results in one or more wards in which no alderpersons reside whose terms of office have not expired, 2 alderpersons shall be elected in accordance with Section 3.1-20-35, unless the city elected only one alderperson per ward pursuant to a referendum under subsection (a) of Section 3.1-20-20.
    (e) A redistricting ordinance that has decreased the number of wards of a city because of a decrease in population of the city shall not be effective if, not less than 60 days before the time fixed for the next succeeding general municipal election, an official census is officially published that shows that the city has regained a population that entitles it to the number of wards that it had just before the passage of the last redistricting ordinance.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/3.1-20-30

    (65 ILCS 5/3.1-20-30) (from Ch. 24, par. 3.1-20-30)
    Sec. 3.1-20-30. Validation of actions. After an official census is officially published, if a city is divided into a greater number of wards and has elected a greater number of alderpersons than the city is entitled to, the division and election shall, nevertheless, be valid and all acts, resolutions, and ordinances of the city council of that city, if in other respects in compliance with law, are valid.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/3.1-20-35

    (65 ILCS 5/3.1-20-35) (from Ch. 24, par. 3.1-20-35)
    Sec. 3.1-20-35. Determining terms.
    (a) Alderpersons elected at the first election for city officers after the election of alderpersons for the initial terms provided for in Section 2-2-11 shall draw lots to determine which alderpersons in each ward shall hold office for a 4 year term, and until a successor is elected and has qualified, and which alderpersons in each ward shall hold office for a 2 year term, and until a successor is elected and has qualified. All alderpersons thereafter elected shall hold office for a term of 4 years, and until their successors are elected and have qualified, except in cities that adopt a 2 year term under Section 3.1-10-65 and except as otherwise provided in Section 3.1-20-20.
    (b) If a city that has had the minority representation plan has voted not to retain the plan, then at the first election for city officers following the vote 2 alderpersons shall be elected from each ward in the city and their terms shall be staggered in the manner set forth in subsection (a). The tenure of these alderpersons and their successors shall be the same as that stated in subsection (a).
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/3.1-20-40

    (65 ILCS 5/3.1-20-40) (from Ch. 24, par. 3.1-20-40)
    Sec. 3.1-20-40. Other officers; election rather than appointment. Instead of providing for the appointment of the following officers as provided in Section 3.1-30-5, the city council, in its discretion, may provide by ordinance passed by a two-thirds vote of all the alderpersons elected for the election by the electors of the city of a city collector, a city marshal, a city superintendent of streets, a corporation counsel, a city comptroller, or any of them, and any other officers which the city council considers necessary or expedient. By ordinance or resolution, to take effect at the end of the current fiscal year, the city council, by a like vote, may discontinue any office so created and devolve the duties of that office on any other city officer. After discontinuance of an office, no officer filling that office before its discontinuance shall have any claim against the city for salary alleged to accrue after the date of discontinuance.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)