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MUNICIPALITIES
(65 ILCS 5/) Illinois Municipal Code.

65 ILCS 5/Art. 5 Div. 2

 
    (65 ILCS 5/Art. 5 Div. 2 heading)
DIVISION 2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

65 ILCS 5/5-2-1

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-1) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-1)
    Sec. 5-2-1. If a city or village adopts the managerial form of municipal government and also elects to choose alderpersons or trustees, as the case may be, from wards or districts, then the city council shall be constituted as provided in Sections 5-2-2 through 5-2-10 and the village board shall be constituted as provided in Section 5-2-11 and the incumbent alderpersons, trustees, mayor, president, clerk and treasurer shall continue in office until expiration of their present terms. If a city has voted to elect only one alderperson from each ward then no election for a successor for the alderperson from each ward whose term next expires shall be held, and upon the expiration of the terms of the alderpersons having the longest time to serve at the time of adoption of this Article 5 only one successor shall be elected from each ward. In case a city votes to elect only one alderperson from each ward, the number of alderpersons prescribed by Section 5-2-2 shall be halved, for the purposes of this Article 5 and the provisions of Section 5-2-4 prescribing the number of wards shall not apply but such city shall have an equal number of wards and alderpersons. The mayor of a city and the president of a village board shall be elected from the city or village at large.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-2

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-2) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-2)
    Sec. 5-2-2. Except as otherwise provided in Section 5-2-3, the number of alderpersons, when not elected by the minority representation plan, shall be as follows: In cities not exceeding 3,000 inhabitants, 6 alderpersons; exceeding 3,000, but not exceeding 15,000, 8 alderpersons; exceeding 15,000 but not exceeding 20,000, 10 alderpersons; exceeding 20,000 but not exceeding 30,000, 14 alderpersons; and 2 additional alderpersons for every 20,000 inhabitants over 30,000. In all cities of less than 500,000, 20 alderpersons shall be the maximum number permitted except as otherwise provided in the case of alderpersons-at-large. No redistricting shall be required in order to reduce the number of alderpersons heretofore provided for. Two alderpersons shall be elected to represent each ward.
    If it appears from any census specified in Section 5-2-5 and taken not earlier than 1940 that any city has the requisite number of inhabitants to authorize it to increase the number of alderpersons, the city council shall immediately proceed to redistrict the city in accordance with the provisions of Section 5-2-5, and it 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 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 whatever manner the council shall direct and all other alderpersons shall fill their unexpired terms as alderpersons-at-large. The alderpersons-at-large, if any, shall have the same power and duties as all other alderpersons but upon expiration of their terms the offices of alderpersons-at-large shall be abolished.
    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 the provisions of Section 5-2-8.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21; 102-687, eff. 12-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-3

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-3) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-3)
    Sec. 5-2-3. In any city or village of less than 100,000 inhabitants, a proposition to restrict the number of alderpersons to one-half of the total authorized by Section 5-2-2, with one alderperson representing each ward, shall be certified by the municipal 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 such action is signed by electors of the municipality numbering not less than 10% of the total vote cast at the last election for mayor or president of the board of trustees of the municipality, and is filed with the city or village clerk in accordance with the general election law.
    The proposition shall be substantially in the following form:
--------------------------------------------------------------
    Shall the City (or Village) of
........ restrict the number of         YES
alderpersons to one-half of the total
authorized by Section 5-2-2 of the  --------------------------
Illinois Municipal Code, with one       NO
alderperson representing each ward?
--------------------------------------------------------------
    If a majority of those voting upon 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.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-3.1

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-3.1) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-3.1)
    Sec. 5-2-3.1. In any municipality in which only one alderperson is elected from each ward, 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 to the proper election authority who shall submit the proposition at an election in accordance with the general election law, if a petition requesting such action is signed by electors of the municipality numbering at least 10% of the total vote cast at the last election for mayor or president of the board of trustees of the municipality and is filed with the municipal clerk.
    The proposition shall be substantially in the following form:
--------------------------------------------------------------
    Shall the City (or Village) of           YES
............ adopt a system of    ----------------------------
 staggered terms for alderpersons?           NO
--------------------------------------------------------------
    If a majority of those voting on the proposition vote in favor of it, 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 5/5-2-4

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-4) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-4)
    Sec. 5-2-4. Except as otherwise provided in Section 5-2-3, 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. In the formation of wards the population of each shall be as nearly equal, and the wards shall be of as compact and contiguous territory, as practicable.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-5

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-5) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-5)
    Sec. 5-2-5. Whenever an official publication of any national, state, school, or city census shows that any city contains more or less wards than it is entitled to, the city council of the city, by ordinance, shall redistrict the city into as many wards only as the city is entitled. This redistricting shall be completed not less than 30 days before the first date fixed by 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.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-6

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-6) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-6)
    Sec. 5-2-6. A redistricting ordinance which 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 30 days prior to the first date fixed by law for the filing of candidate petitions for the next succeeding election for city officers, a specified census is officially published which shows that the city has regained a population that entitles it to the number of wards which it had just prior to the passage of the last redistricting ordinance.
(Source: P.A. 81-1489.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-7

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-7) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-7)
    Sec. 5-2-7. If, after a specified census is officially published, any city is divided into a greater number of wards and has elected a greater number of alderpersons than the city is entitled, nevertheless such division and election shall be valid and all acts, resolutions, and ordinances of the city council of such city, if in other respects in compliance with law, are valid.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-8

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-8) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-8)
    Sec. 5-2-8. Staggered terms; tenure.
    (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 (i) which of the alderpersons in each ward shall hold for a 4 year term and until a successor is elected and has qualified and (ii) which in each ward shall hold for a 2 year term and until a successor is elected and has qualified. All alderpersons elected after that first election 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 as provided in Section 3.1-10-65 and except as is otherwise provided in Section 5-2-3.
    (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. Their terms shall be staggered by the process specified in this Section. 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 5/5-2-9

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-9) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-9)
    Sec. 5-2-9. (Repealed).
(Source: Repealed by P.A. 87-1119.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-10

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-10) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-10)
    Sec. 5-2-10. (Repealed).
(Source: Repealed by P.A. 87-1119.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-11

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-11) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-11)
    Sec. 5-2-11. In any village which adopts this Article 5, the board of trustees by ordinance shall divide and, whenever necessary thereafter, shall redistrict the village into 6 compact and contiguous districts of approximately equal population.
    Each of the districts shall be represented by one trustee who shall have been an actual resident of the district for at least 6 months prior to his election, unless the trustee is a resident of a newly incorporated municipality. Only the electors of a district shall elect the trustee from that district.
    The provisions of Section 5-2-8 relating to terms of office of alderpersons in cities shall also apply to the terms of office of trustees under this section.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-12

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-12) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-12)
    Sec. 5-2-12. Alderpersons or trustees elected at large; vacancies; mayor or president to preside.
    (a) If a city or village adopts the managerial form of municipal government but does not elect to choose alderpersons or trustees from wards or districts, then the following provisions of this Section shall be applicable.
    (b) The city council shall be elected at large. In cities of less than 50,000 population, the council shall consist of (i) the mayor and 4 councilmen or (ii) the mayor and 6 councilmen if the size of the city council is increased under subsection (k). In cities of at least 50,000 but less than 100,000 population, the council shall consist of the mayor and 6 councilmen. In cities of at least 100,000 but not more than 500,000 population, the council shall consist of the mayor and 8 councilmen.
    (c) Except in villages that were governed by Article 4 immediately before the adoption of the managerial form of municipal government, the village board shall be elected at large and shall consist of a president and the number of trustees provided for in Section 5-2-15 or 5-2-17, whichever is applicable.
    (d) The term of office of the mayor and councilmen shall be 4 years, provided that in cities of less than 50,000, the 2 councilmen receiving the lowest vote at the first election shall serve for 2 years only; in cities of at least 50,000 but less than 100,000, the 3 councilmen receiving the lowest vote at the first election shall serve for 2 years only; and in cities of at least 100,000 but not more than 500,000, the 4 councilmen receiving the lowest vote at the first election shall serve for 2 years only.
    (e) The election of councilmen shall be every 2 years. After the first election, only 2 councilmen in cities of less than 50,000, 3 councilmen in cities of at least 50,000 but less than 100,000, or 4 councilmen in cities of at least 100,000 but not more than 500,000, shall be voted for by each elector at the primary elections, and only 2, 3, or 4 councilmen, as the case may be, shall be voted for by each elector at each biennial general municipal election, to serve for 4 years.
    (f) In addition to the requirements of the general election law, the ballots shall be in the form set out in Section 5-2-13. In cities with less than 50,000, the form of ballot prescribed in Section 5-2-13 shall be further modified by printing in the place relating to councilmen the words "Vote for not more than Two", or "Vote for not more than Three" if the size of the city council is increased under subsection (k), instead of the words "Vote for not more than Four". In cities of at least 50,000 but less than 100,000, the ballot shall be modified in that place by printing the words "Vote for not more than Three" instead of the words "Vote for not more than Four". Sections 4-3-5 through 4-3-18, insofar as they may be applicable, shall govern the election of a mayor and councilmen under this Section.
    (g) If a vacancy occurs in the office of mayor or councilman, the remaining members of the council, within 60 days after the vacancy occurs, shall fill the vacancy by appointment of some person to the office for the balance of the unexpired term or until the vacancy is filled by interim election under Section 3.1-10-50, and until the successor is elected and has qualified.
    (h) Except in villages that were governed by Article 4 immediately before the adoption of the managerial form of municipal government, in villages that have adopted this Article 5 the term of office of the president, the number of trustees to be elected, their terms of office, and the manner of filling vacancies shall be governed by Sections 5-2-14 through 5-2-17.
    (i) Any village that adopts the managerial form of municipal government under this Article 5 and that, immediately before that adoption, was governed by the provisions of Article 4, shall continue to elect a mayor and 4 commissioners in accordance with Sections 4-3-5 through 4-3-18, insofar as they may be applicable, except that the 2 commissioners receiving the lowest vote among those elected at the first election after this Article 5 becomes effective in the village shall serve for 2 years only. After that first election, the election of commissioners shall be every 2 years, and 2 commissioners shall be elected at each election to serve for 4 years.
    (j) The mayor or president shall preside at all meetings of the council or board and on all ceremonial occasions.
    (k) In cities of less than 50,000 population, the city council may, by ordinance, provide that the city council shall, after the next biennial general municipal election, consist of 6 instead of 4 councilmen. If the size of the council is increased to 6 councilmen, then at the next biennial general municipal election, the electors shall vote for 4 instead of 2 councilmen. Of the 4 councilmen elected at that next election, the one receiving the lowest vote at that election shall serve a 2-year term. Thereafter, all terms shall be for 4 years.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-13

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-13) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-13)
    Sec. 5-2-13. In addition to the requirements of the general election law, the ballots for the municipal primary election provided for in Section 5-2-12 shall be in substantially the following form:
OFFICIAL PRIMARY BALLOT.
CANDIDATES FOR NOMINATION FOR MAYOR
AND COUNCILMEN OF THE CITY (OR
VILLAGE) OF.... AT THE PRIMARY
ELECTION.
FOR MAYOR
VOTE FOR ONE
    (  ) JOHN JONES.
    (  ) JAMES SMITH.
    (  ) HENRY WHITE.
    (  ) RALPH WILSON.
    (  ) FOR COUNCILMEN.
    VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN....(insert proper number as provided in Section 5-2-12).
    (  ) HARRY BROWN.
    (  ) ROBERT BUCK.
    (  ) WILLIAM BURKE.
    (  ) GEORGE MILLER.
    (  ) ARTHUR ROBBINS.
    (  ) EDWARD STUART.
    (  ) JOSEPH TROUT.
    (  ) THOMAS WILLIAMS.
    In addition to the requirements of the general election law, the general municipal election ballots for the election provided for in Section 5-2-12 shall be substantially in the following form:
OFFICIAL BALLOT
NOMINEES FOR MAYOR AND COUNCILMEN OF
THE CITY (OR VILLAGE) OF.... AT
THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION.
FOR MAYOR
VOTE FOR ONE
    (  ) JOHN JONES.
    (  ) JAMES SMITH.
    (  ) FOR COUNCILMEN.
    VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN....(insert proper number as provided in Section 5-2-12).
    (  ) HARRY BROWN.
    (  ) ROBERT BUCK.
    (  ) WILLIAM BURKE.
    (  ) GEORGE MILLER.
    (  ) ARTHUR ROBBINS.
    (  ) EDWARD STUART.
    (  ) JOSEPH TROUT.
    (  ) THOMAS WILLIAMS.
(Source: P.A. 95-862, eff. 8-19-08.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-14

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-14) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-14)
    Sec. 5-2-14. (Repealed).
(Source: Repealed by P.A. 87-1119.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-15

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-15) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-15)
    Sec. 5-2-15. Trustees; tenure; vacancies.
    (a) In each village operating under Section 5-2-12, the electors of the village shall elect 6 trustees. The term of office of the trustees shall be 4 years and until their successors are elected and have qualified. Trustees elected at the first election for village officers after a village is incorporated, however, shall by lot designate one-half of their number whose terms shall be 2 years and until their successors are elected and have qualified. In all villages having a population of less than 50,000 in which only 3 trustees were elected for a 4 year term in the year 1941, 3 trustees shall be elected for a 4 year term at the regular village election in the year 1943, and thereafter 3 trustees shall be elected in each odd numbered year for a term of 4 years.
    (b) (Blank).
(Source: P.A. 95-646, eff. 1-1-08.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-16

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-16) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-16)
    Sec. 5-2-16. President and trustees; general election.
    (a) The election for the president specified in Section 5-2-12 in villages of 50,000 or more inhabitants shall be held in 1981 and each fourth year thereafter, on a date specified by the general election law. The election for the president in villages of fewer than 50,000 inhabitants shall be held in every other odd numbered year whenever a president is to be elected for a 4 year term. The election for the president in villages of fewer than 50,000 inhabitants shall be held in each odd numbered year whenever the president is to be elected for a 2 year term.
    (b) The election for trustees in villages of 50,000 or more inhabitants shall be held in 1981 and each fourth year thereafter, unless the village board has provided for the election of trustees in a manner prescribed for villages of fewer than 50,000 inhabitants as provided in Section 3.1-25-10, in which case the election for trustees shall be held in each odd numbered year.
    (c) An election for trustees in villages of fewer than 50,000 inhabitants shall be held in each odd numbered year, except as provided in Section 5-2-17. When villages of fewer than 50,000 inhabitants have provided for a 2 year term for elective officers under Section 3.1-10-65, the first general election for trustees shall be held in accordance with the general election law in the next odd numbered year following the referendum at which the terms of the elective officers were reduced. In those villages, elections shall be held annually thereafter.
    (d) Every village incorporated and existing under a special Act that has held a general municipal election in even numbered years before the effective date of this Code may continue to do so. Every village may hold annual municipal elections if this is necessary to comply with Section 5-2-17.
(Source: P.A. 87-1119.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-17

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-17) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-17)
    Sec. 5-2-17. Trustees; certain villages incorporated under special Acts.
    (a) In every village specified in Section 5-2-12 incorporated and existing under any special Act that, before June 4, 1909, under any special Act, annually elected members of its legislative body, the electors of the village, instead of the legislative body now provided for by law, shall elect 6 trustees. They shall hold their offices until their respective successors are elected and have qualified. At the first meeting of this board of 6 trustees, the terms of office of the trustees shall be staggered. Thereafter, the terms shall be for the same length of time as provided for alderpersons in Section 3.1-20-35.
    (b) The electors of a village or incorporated town described in subsection (a) may, however, adopt a 2 year term for their trustees as provided in Section 3.1-10-65. If this 2 year term is adopted, then at the next general municipal election in the adopting village, 3 trustees shall be elected, and they shall hold their offices for terms of one year each. In the next succeeding year, and in each year thereafter, 3 trustees shall be elected in the adopting village, and they shall hold their offices for terms of 2 years each.
    (c) Any village described in subsection (a) that, before January 2, 1942, has adopted a 2 year term for its trustees and is now electing 3 trustees each year shall continue to elect 3 trustees each year for a term of 2 years each. Any village described in subsection (a) that, before January 2, 1942, has adopted a 2 year term for its trustees but is not now electing 3 trustees each year shall elect 3 trustees at the next general municipal election in that village, and they shall hold their offices for terms of one year each. In the next succeeding year, and in each year thereafter, 3 trustees shall be elected, and they shall hold their offices for terms of 2 years each.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-18

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-18) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-18)
    Sec. 5-2-18. In any city which has adopted this Article 5 and which elects a mayor and councilmen as provided in Section 5-2-12, a proposition to elect alderpersons from wards as provided in Article 3 of this Code, except that only one alderperson may be elected from each ward, shall be certified by the city clerk to the proper election authority who shall submit such proposition at the general municipal election in accordance with the general election law, if a petition signed by electors of the city numbering not less than 10% of the total vote cast for mayor at the last preceding election, is filed with the city clerk.
    The proposition shall be substantially in the following form:
--------------------------------------------------------------
    Shall the city of.... be divided
into wards with one alderperson to be          YES
elected from each ward, but with the   -----------------------
mayor to be elected from the city              NO
at large?
--------------------------------------------------------------
    If a majority of those voting on the proposition vote "yes", then the sitting city council shall proceed to divide the city into wards in the manner provided in Article 3 and one alderperson shall be elected from each ward at the next general municipal election of any city officer. Upon the election and qualification of such alderpersons the terms of office of all sitting councilmen shall expire. After the adoption of such proposition the provisions of Article 3 shall be applicable to the division of the city into wards and to the election of the mayor and alderpersons of such city, except that only one alderperson shall be elected from each ward.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-18.1

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-18.1) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-18.1)
    Sec. 5-2-18.1. In any city or village which has adopted this Article and also has elected to choose alderpersons from wards or trustees from districts, as the case may be, a proposition to elect the city council at large shall be submitted to the electors in the manner herein provided.
    Electors of such city or village, equal to not less than 10% of the total vote cast for all candidates for mayor or president in the last preceding municipal election for such office, may petition for the submission to a vote of the electors of that city or village the proposition whether the city council shall be elected at large. The petition shall be in the same form as prescribed in Section 5-1-6, except that said petition shall be modified as to the wording of the proposition to be voted upon to conform to the wording of the proposition as hereinafter set forth, and shall be filed with the city clerk in accordance with the general election law. The clerk shall certify the proposition to the proper election authorities who shall submit the proposition at an election in accordance with the general election law.
    However, such proposition shall not be submitted at the general primary election for the municipality.
    The proposition shall be in substantially the following form:
--------------------------------------------------------------
    Shall the city (or village) of
.... elect the city council at           YES
large instead of alderpersons        -------------------------
(or trustees) from wards (or             NO
districts)?
--------------------------------------------------------------
    If a majority of those voting on the proposition vote "yes", then the city council shall be elected at large at the next general municipal election and the provisions of Section 5-2-12 shall be applicable. Upon the election and qualification of such councilmen or trustees, the terms of all sitting alderpersons shall expire.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21; 102-687, eff. 12-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-18.2

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-18.2) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-18.2)
    Sec. 5-2-18.2. In any city which has adopted this Article, and also has elected to choose alderpersons from wards, a proposition to elect part of the city council at large and part from districts shall be submitted to the electors upon the petition herein provided.
    Electors of such city, equal in number to not less than 10% of the total vote cast for all candidates for mayor in the last preceding municipal election for such office, may petition for the submission to a vote of the electors of that city the proposition whether part of the city council shall be elected at large and part from districts. The petition shall be in the same form as prescribed in Section 5-1-6, except that said petition shall be modified as to the wording of the proposition to be voted upon, to conform to the wording of the proposition as hereinafter set forth, and shall be filed with the city clerk in accordance with the general election law. The city clerk shall certify the proposition to the proper election authorities who shall submit the proposition at an election in accordance with the general election law.
    However, such proposition shall not be submitted at the general primary election for the municipality.
    The proposition shall be substantially in the following form:
--------------------------------------------------------------
    Shall the city of....
elect part of the councilmen          YES
at large and part of             -----------------------------
the councilmen from                   NO
districts?
--------------------------------------------------------------
    If a majority of those voting on the proposition vote "yes", then at the next general municipal election and every 4 years thereafter, a mayor and part of the councilmen shall be elected at large and part of the councilmen shall be elected from wards, the total number of councilmen to be elected to equal the number of alderpersons authorized to be elected prior to adoption of the proposition.
    The city council shall divide the city, whenever necessary thereafter, into districts which shall be of as compact and contiguous territory as practicable and of approximately equal population. The number of such districts shall be equal to half the number of alderpersons then authorized to be elected to office in such city. If there is an odd number of such alderpersons, the number of districts established shall be equal to the number which represents a majority of the number of such alderpersons.
    One councilman, who is an actual resident of the district, shall be elected from each district. Only the electors of a district shall elect a councilman from that district. The rest of the number of councilmen authorized shall be elected at large.
    The mayor and councilmen shall hold their respective offices for the term of 4 years and until their successors are elected and qualified. Upon the election and qualification of the councilmen, the terms of all sitting alderpersons shall expire.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-18.3

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-18.3) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-18.3)
    Sec. 5-2-18.3. Selection of part of council at large and part from districts. If a city elects to choose part of the city council at large and part from districts, then the following provisions of this Section shall be applicable. The term of office of the mayor and councilman shall be 4 years, and the election of the mayor and councilmen shall be every 4 years after the first election. In addition to the requirements of the general election law, the ballots shall be in the form set out in Section 5-2-18.4 and 5-2-18.5. Sections 4-3-5 through 4-3-18, insofar as they may be applicable, shall govern the election of a mayor and councilmen under this Section.
(Source: P.A. 87-1119.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-18.4

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-18.4) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-18.4)
    Sec. 5-2-18.4. In addition to the requirements of the general election law, a distinct ballot shall be printed for each district for the primary election. At the top of the ballot shall be the following: CANDIDATES FOR NOMINATION FOR MAYOR AND COUNCILMEN OF THE CITY OF.... AT THE PRIMARY ELECTION. Under the sub-title FOR MAYOR shall be placed the following: (VOTE FOR ONE). There shall be placed below the names of the candidates for mayor another sub-title as follows: FOR COUNCILMEN AT LARGE. Following this sub-title there shall be an instruction in this form, to be altered, however, to conform to the facts: VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN.... (Insert proper number as provided in Section 5-2-12). Following the names of the candidates for councilmen at large, there shall be another sub-title in the following form: FOR DISTRICT COUNCILMAN. Following this sub-title there shall be the following direction: (VOTE FOR ONE). In other respects the form of the ballot shall be controlled by Section 4-3-10.
(Source: P.A. 95-862, eff. 8-19-08.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-18.5

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-18.5) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-18.5)
    Sec. 5-2-18.5. To determine the number of nominees who shall be placed on the ballot under each sub-title at the general city election, the number of officers who will be chosen under each sub-title shall be multiplied by 4 . Only those candidates at the primary election shall be nominees under each sub-title at the general city election who have received the 4 highest number of votes, where but one officer is to be elected, the 8 highest where but two officers are to be elected, and in this manner as far as necessary.
(Source: P.A. 95-699, eff. 11-9-07.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-18.6

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-18.6) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-18.6)
    Sec. 5-2-18.6. In addition to the requirements of the general election law, the ballots for the general municipal election shall be prepared in accordance with Section 4-3-16, with the following changes:
    (1) Following the names of the candidates for mayor there shall be printed a sub-title: FOR COUNCILMEN AT LARGE; following this sub-title shall be an instruction in this form: VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN....(Insert proper number as provided in Section 5-2-12). The names of the candidates for councilmen at large shall follow this instruction.
    (2) Following the names of the candidates at large shall be printed another sub-title: FOR DISTRICT COUNCILMAN. Following this sub-title shall be an instruction in this form: (VOTE FOR ONE) and following this instruction shall be printed the names of the 2 nominees.
(Source: P.A. 95-862, eff. 8-19-08.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-18.7

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-18.7) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-18.7)
    Sec. 5-2-18.7. In any city which has adopted this Article, and is electing the city council at large or has elected to choose alderpersons from wards, a proposition to elect part of the city council at large and part from districts with staggered four year terms and biennial elections for councilmen shall be submitted to the electors upon initiation in the manner herein provided.
    Electors of such city, equal in number to not less than 10% of the total vote cast for all candidates for mayor in the last preceding municipal election for such office, may petition for submission, or, in the alternative, the city council may by ordinance without a petition cause to be submitted, to a vote of the electors of that city the proposition whether part of the city council shall be elected at large and part from districts with staggered four year terms and biennial elections for councilmen. The petition shall be in the same form as prescribed in Section 5-1-6, except that the petition shall be modified as to the wording of the proposition to be voted upon, to conform to the wording of the proposition as hereinafter set forth, and shall be filed with the city clerk in accordance with the general election law. The city clerk shall certify the proposition to the proper election authorities who shall submit the proposition at an election in accordance with the general election law.
    However, such proposition shall not be submitted at the general primary election for the municipality.
    The proposition shall be substantially in the following form:
--------------------------------------------------------------
    Shall the city of....
elect part of the councilmen at large      YES
and part of the councilmen from        -----------------------
districts with staggered four year         NO
terms and biennial elections?
--------------------------------------------------------------
    If a majority of those voting on the proposition vote "yes", then at the next general municipal election at which a mayor is to be elected, a mayor and councilmen shall be elected as hereinafter provided.
    In cities of less than 50,000 population, the council shall consist of the mayor and 6 councilmen, 2 councilmen being elected at large and 4 councilmen being elected from districts. In cities of 50,000 and not more than 500,000 population, the council shall consist of the mayor and 8 councilmen, 3 councilmen being elected at large and 5 councilmen being elected from districts.
    The city council shall divide the city, whenever necessary thereafter, into districts which shall be of as compact and contiguous territory as practicable and of approximately equal population. The number of such districts shall be the same as the number of councilmen to be elected from districts.
    One councilman who is an actual resident of the district, shall be elected from each district. Only the electors of a district shall elect a councilman from that district. The rest of the number of councilmen authorized shall be elected at large.
    The term of office of the Mayor and Councilmen shall be 4 years, provided that at the first election the Councilmen elected at large shall serve for 2 years only. Thereafter the election of Councilmen shall be biennial, and after the first election the Mayor and all Councilmen shall be elected for 4 year terms to fill expiring terms of incumbents.
    The Mayor and Councilmen shall hold their respective offices for the term of 4 years as herein provided, and until their successors are elected and qualified. Upon the election and qualification of the Councilmen, the terms of all sitting alderpersons or councilmen elected at large pursuant to the provisions of Section 5-2-12 shall expire.
    For the first primary election a distinct ballot shall be printed for each district. At the top of the ballot shall be the following: CANDIDATES FOR NOMINATION FOR MAYOR (when Mayor is to be elected) AND COUNCILMEN OF THE CITY OF.... AT THE PRIMARY ELECTION. Under the subtitle of FOR MAYOR (when applicable) shall be placed the following: (VOTE FOR ONE). There shall be placed below the names of the candidates for Mayor, if any, another subtitle as follows: FOR COUNCILMEN AT LARGE. Following this subtitle there shall be an instruction in this form, to be altered, however, to conform to the facts: (VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN....) (Insert number of Councilmen being elected). Following the names of the candidates for councilmen at large, there shall be another subtitle in the following form: FOR DISTRICT COUNCILMAN. Following this subtitle there shall be the following direction: (VOTE FOR ONE). In other respects the ballots shall conform to the applicable provisions of Sections 4-3-10 and 5-2-13.
    To determine the number of nominees who shall be placed on the ballot under each subtitle at the general municipal election, the number of officers who will be chosen under each subtitle shall be multiplied by 2. Only those candidates at the primary election shall be nominees under each subtitle at the general municipal election and, where but one officer is to be elected, the 2 candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be placed upon the ballot for the next succeeding general municipal election. Where 2 councilmen are to be elected, the 4 candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be placed upon the ballot. Where 3 councilmen are to be elected, the names of the 6 candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be placed upon the ballot.
    The ballots for the election of officers at the first general municipal election shall be prepared in compliance with Section 4-3-16, with the following changes:
    (1) Following the names of the candidates for Mayor (when applicable) there shall be printed a subtitle: FOR COUNCILMAN AT LARGE: following this subtitle shall be an instruction in this form: (VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ....) (Insert number of councilmen to be elected). The names of the nominees for councilmen at large shall follow the instruction.
    (2) Following the names of the nominees for councilmen at large shall be printed another subtitle: FOR DISTRICT COUNCILMAN. Following this subtitle shall be an instruction in this form: (VOTE FOR ONE) and following this instruction shall be printed the names of the 2 nominees.
    Thereafter, the ballots for the biennial election shall be prepared as hereinafter provided.
    For the primary election at which Councilmen at large are to be elected the form of the ballot shall be as follows:
    At the top of the ballot shall be the following: CANDIDATES FOR NOMINATION FOR MAYOR (when Mayor is to be elected) AND COUNCILMEN OF THE CITY OF.... AT THE PRIMARY ELECTION. Under the subtitle of FOR MAYOR (when applicable) shall be placed the following: (VOTE FOR ONE). There shall be placed below the names of the candidates for Mayor, if any, another subtitle as follows: FOR COUNCILMEN AT LARGE. Following this subtitle there shall be an instruction in this form, to be altered, however, to conform to the facts: (VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN....) (Insert number of Councilmen being elected).
    For the primary election at which District Councilmen are to be elected, a distinct ballot shall be printed for each District. There shall be placed below the names of the candidates for Mayor (when applicable) another subtitle as follows: FOR DISTRICT COUNCILMAN. Following this subtitle there shall be an instruction in this form: VOTE FOR ONE. In all other respects the ballot shall conform to the applicable provisions of Sections 4-3-10 and 5-2-13.
    To determine the number of nominees who shall be placed on the ballot under each subtitle at the general municipal election, the number of officers who will be chosen under each subtitle shall be multiplied by 2. Only those candidates at the primary election shall be nominees under each subtitle at the general municipal election and, where but one officer is to be elected, the 2 candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be placed upon the ballot for the next succeeding general municipal election. Where 2 councilmen are to be elected, the 4 candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be placed upon the ballot. Where 3 councilmen are to be elected, the names of the 6 candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be placed upon the ballot.
    The ballots for the election of officers at the general municipal election shall be prepared in compliance with Section 4-3-16, with the following changes:
    (1) For elections where candidates for Councilmen at large are being elected, following the names of candidates for Mayor (when applicable) there shall be printed a subtitle as follows: FOR COUNCILMEN AT LARGE. Following this subtitle there shall be an instruction in this form: (VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN....) (Insert number of Councilmen to be elected). The names of the nominees for Councilmen at large shall follow the instruction.
    (2) For elections where district Councilmen are to be elected, a distinct ballot shall be printed for each district, and following the names of the candidates for Mayor (when applicable) there shall be printed a subtitle as follows: FOR DISTRICT COUNCILMAN. Following this subtitle there shall be an instruction in this form: (VOTE FOR ONE) and following this instruction shall be printed the names of the 2 nominees for district Councilman.
    Vacancies shall be filled as prescribed in Section 5-2-12, provided that a vacancy in the office of a District Councilman shall be filled by a person who is an actual resident of the district in which the vacancy occurs.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-18.8

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-18.8) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-18.8)
    Sec. 5-2-18.8. The propositions provided for in Sections 5-2-18.1, 5-2-18.2 and 5-2-18.7 shall not be submitted to the electors at the same election. If petitions to submit more than one of such propositions are filed for presentation at the same election, the petition first filed prior to such election shall be accepted by the city clerk and the petition for the submission of the other propositions, if tendered thereafter, shall be refused by the city clerk. The proposition requested to be presented in the petition first filed shall be submitted at the election.
(Source: P.A. 81-1489.)

65 ILCS 5/5-2-19

    (65 ILCS 5/5-2-19) (from Ch. 24, par. 5-2-19)
    Sec. 5-2-19. In any city which was operating under the alderperson form of government as provided in Article 3 at the time of adoption of this Article 5 which did not also elect to continue to choose alderpersons from wards, the city clerk and city treasurer shall be nominated and elected in the same manner as provided in this Article 5 for the nomination and election of the mayor and councilmen. To achieve this result: wherever the term "mayor or commissioners" appears in Sections 4-3-7 through 4-3-18, it shall be construed to include the words "or clerk or treasurer". The names of candidates for nomination shall be placed on the primary election ballot prescribed in Section 5-2-13 and such ballot shall be modified to include the heading "For Clerk--Vote for one" immediately following the names of candidates for councilmen and to include the heading "For Treasurer--Vote for one" immediately following the names of candidates for clerk. The names of the 4 candidates receiving the highest number of votes for each of the respective offices shall be placed on the general municipal election ballot prescribed in Section 5-2-13 which ballot shall be modified to include such offices and names in the same manner as is provided in this Section for the primary ballot. If any candidate nominated for the office of clerk or treasurer dies or withdraws before the general municipal election the name of the person receiving the fifth highest number of votes for nomination to that office shall be placed on the ballot for that election.
    However, in any city not exceeding 100,000 inhabitants which adopts this Article 5 and elects a mayor and alderpersons or councilmen as provided in Section 5-2-12, or Sections 5-2-18 through 5-2-18.8, the council may, in lieu of electing a clerk and treasurer as provided in the above paragraph, provide by ordinance that the clerk or treasurer or both for such city be appointed by the mayor with the approval of the city council. If such officers are appointed their terms of office, duties, compensation and amount of bond required shall be the same as if they were elected.
(Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)