Aurora voters could get power to recall mayor, at-large aldermen
Almost 9,000 signatures from residents could put two binding referendum questions on the ballot to establish recall procedures.
Aurora residents could soon get the power to recall their mayor and the city’s at-large aldermen.
Advocates collected almost 9,000 signatures to put two binding referendum questions on the Nov. 3 ballot. One would ask whether voters should be able to recall the mayor, and the other whether they should be able to recall at-large aldermen. Aurora has two at-large aldermen and 10 who are elected.
Election authorities must review the signatures and any objections to confirm the questions meet the requirements to be placed on the ballot.
Illinois cities and towns can change their form of government, including how local officials are chosen and how long they serve. Voters must approve those changes through a referendum. State law provides for voters to pass a referendum to exercise any municipal power subject to referenda by allowing them to submit a public question via voter-initiated petition.
It’s unclear whether the power to recall a municipal officer is in that category. A 1981 Illinois Appellate Court ruling said it was not, but the same court overruled that decision in 2016. The Illinois Supreme Court has not directly weighed in on the question.
Opponents point to other potential problems with the Aurora proposal, alleging lack of detail in the recall process and provisions that exceed the city’s authority in the details the petition does provide.
Objections to signatures were due Aug. 10, and the local election authority had until Aug. 27 to certify the question for the ballot. The Aurora electoral board is set to discuss the objections to the petition Sept. 11.
In 2024 a Chicago resident aimed for a mayoral recall measure, but his petition didn’t get enough signatures to make the ballot.
Giving voters a recall option provides an additional check on local government and gives residents a way to respond to serious dissatisfaction with their elected leadership before the next election.
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