On the Ballot: Voters to Decide on Illinois Pension Amendment

Whether you are voting early or plan to vote on Nov. 6, you will encounter a constitutional amendment. The long-winded explanation could sound confusing, but the amendment boils down to a change in the way pension benefits can be increased.

Voters may be in for a surprise when they head to the polls on Nov. 6 if they haven’t taken a look at a sample ballot (see the attached documents) or peruse the DuPage County Election Commission's candidates and propositions page.  When voters head to the polls, they will be asked to vote yes or no on an amendment to the 1970 Illinois Constitution.    The proposition seeks voter approval to amend the 1970 Illinois Constitution to require a three-fifths majority vote—rather than just a simple majority—before any governing body can approve a pension benefit increase. That goes for the Illinois General Assembly, local school districts, police or any unit of local government. A “yes” vote is a vote in favor of making the change; a “no” vote …

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Patch on Politics

Pension Foes Allied Against Constitutional Amendment

Pension-related amendment to state constitution on Nov. 6 ballot is confusing, catastrophic and fake reform, say foes and legal experts. What you need to know before you vote.

By Jayette Bolinski, Illinois Watchdog SPRINGFIELD — Opposition to a proposed pension-related constitutional amendment that will go before Illinois voters Nov. 6 is creating strange bedfellows — from public employee unions to good-government groups that agree the question is not worthy of a change to the state’s constitution and does nothing to address the pension crisis.  Groups opposed to the amendment are numerous and come from all walks of life. It’s no surprise that public-employee unions are opposed to the amendment, which requires a three-fifths majority vote before any public body can approve a pension benefit increase. Good-government groups, such as the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability and the Illinois Policy Institute, …

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