Politics & Government

Referendum Questions for McHenry, Kane County Voters

Voters in McHenry County will vote on an executive form of government.

Voters will get to cast their vote Tuesday on various referendum questions. 

In McHenry County, a referendum asking whether voters would like to adopt a county executive form of government will be on the ballot.

Currently, the county board is responsible for hiring a county administrator that oversees the day-to-day operations within the county government, according to the Northwest Herald. 

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If the county voted in favor of a county executive form of government, voters would elect a county executive, according to the Daily Herald. Those changes could take effect in the 2014 election. 

The referendum question reads:  Shall the county of McHenry adopt the county executive form of government and elect not to become a home rule unit? 

Find out what's happening in Algonquin-Lake In The Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Will County is the only county in Illinois that has a county executive form of government without a home rule unit, according to the Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners

Cook County is the only county in the state that has a home rule unit, with a chief executive officer overseeing operations.

"The advantage of this designation is that, except as limited by state law, home rule counties may exercise any power and perform any function relating to its government and affairs, including the power to regulate for the protection of the public health, safety, morals and welfare; to license; and to borrow money and levy taxes," according to the IACBMC website.

Multiple Elected Offices

McHenry County voters will also get to vote "yes" or "no" on whether they think an individual should able to hold two more elected offices at the same time. 

The question is advisory and "not legally binding," according to the NW Herald. 

Pension Benefits

A lengthy question asking voters if they would like to amend the state consitution to make it more difficult for increases in pension benefits for government employees will be on the ballot, according to the Northwest Herald. 

"The new section would require a three-fifths majority vote of each chamber of the General Assembly, or the governing body of a unit of local government, school district, or pension or retirement system, in order to increase a benefit under any public pension or retirement system," according to the constitutional amendment proposal ballot question. 

Those who believe a three-fifths majority vote should be enacted to increase benefits should vote "yes," according to a sample ballot.

Kane County Referendum

An advisory question on the ballot will read: "Should the United States Constitution be amended to limit the use of corporate, special interest, and private money in any political activity, including influencing the election of any candidate for public office?" 

Since it is an advisory question, it does not mean anything will change immediately. 


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