Illinois Bond Elections

Illinois offers cities and other local governments a few methods to borrow funds without voter approval (e.g. debt certificates).  Bond issues that do not require taxes for repayment are subject to "backdoor referendum."  Bonds that are subject to backdoor referendum do not require voter approval unless a petition is signed by a specified number of registered voters during a specified 30 day period.

Bond issues requiring voter approval must obtain a simple majority vote for passage.  The resolution or ordinance calling for the election must be adopted not less than 65 day prior to the election date and must be filed with the election authorities not less than 61 days before the election.  There are only four days during any two year period in which a referendum may be held. The dates for the years 2007 and 2008 are as follows: