The Legislative Scene

Governor Signs Election Code Amendment;
Date Of Election Changed

By Peter M. Murphy, Director,
Governmental Services, IAPD

GUBERNATORIAL ACTION

Governor Thompson approved H.B. 2135 (Public Act 82-1014) on September 17, 1982. The measure amends "The Election Code" and various other acts including Sections 5-8, 9-1a, 9.1-2, 9.2-2, 9.3-2, 11.1-7, 11.2-2 of "The Park District Code" which provide for a backdoor referendum upon petition of the districts' electors. In addition to the required publication or posting of the resolution or ordinance providing for the tax levy or bond issue as designated in these sections, park districts will be required as of the Act's effective date (January 1, 1983) to include in the notice the following information:

(1) the specific number of voters required to sign a petition requesting that the question of the adoption of the resolution be submitted to the electors of the district

(2) the time in which the petition must be filed

(3) the date of the prospective referendum.

Further, the secretary of the governing board of the district is designated as the individual responsible for providing a petition form to any individual requesting one.

The Act also provides for a change in the date of the consolidated election occurring in odd numbered years. If such date conflicts with the celebration of Passover, then the election is postponed until the first Tuesday following the last day of Passover. For purposes of the consolidated election for park commissioner in 1983 this will change the election date from April 5th to April 12th and note as well that this will also result in changes in the election filing and reporting dates. The following calendar lists all key park district election dates for 1983.

Illinois Parks and Recreation    34   November/December 1982