65 ILCS 20/0.01
(65 ILCS 20/0.01) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-0.1) Sec. 0.01. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Revised Cities and Villages Act of 1941. (Source: P.A. 86-1324.)
65 ILCS 20
65 ILCS 20
in effect65 ILCS 20/21-1
(65 ILCS 20/21-1) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-1) Sec. 21-1. Powers and obligations under this Article. The city of Chicago upon the adoption of this Article in the manner stated in Sections 21-2 to 21-4 inclusive, in addition to all of the rights, powers, privileges, duties, and obligations conferred thereon elsewhere in this or any other Acts, shall have the rights, powers, and privileges, and shall be subject to the duties and obligations conferred in this Article. The provisions in other Articles of this Act shall be in full force and shall continue to apply to the city of Chicago insofar as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Article, but the provisions of this Article shall supersede all inconsistent provisions in the other Articles of this Act. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-2
(65 ILCS 20/21-2) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-2) Sec. 21-2. Ordinance for submission. This article shall not be in force in the city of Chicago until the question of its adoption shall first have been submitted to the electors of such city and approved by a majority of those voting on the question. The city council of the city of Chicago, by ordinance passed at least thirty days prior to the submission of the question, may direct that the question of the adoption of this Article in place of Article XII of "An Act to provide for the incorporation of cities and villages", approved April 10, 1872, as amended, by the city of Chicago be submitted to popular vote at any general, city, or special election in and for the entire city. The city clerk of the city of Chicago shall promptly certify the passage of such ordinance to the proper election officials, and it shall thereupon be the duty of such election officials to submit the question of the adoption of this article by the city of Chicago, to popular vote. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-4
(65 ILCS 20/21-4) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-4) Sec. 21-4. Form of ballot. The ballots to be used at such election shall be in substantially the following form: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Shall the city of Chicago adopt Article 21 of the Revised Cities and Villages Act in place of Article XII of "An Act to provide for the incorporation of cities and villages", approved April 10, 1872, as amended? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Yes No - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If a majority of the votes cast on this question favor the adoption of this article, it shall thereby and thereupon be adopted by and be in force in the city of Chicago, and the city officers then in office, and those elected at the same election at which the question of the adoption of this article is submitted to the people, shall thereupon exercise the powers conferred upon like officers in this article, and shall be charged with like duties and responsibilities until their successors shall be elected and qualified. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-5 Mayor; Term of office
(65 ILCS 20/21-5) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-5) Sec. 21-5. Mayor; Term of office. (a) The mayor of the city of Chicago shall be elected in 1943 and quadrennially thereafter in a nonpartisan election. The candidate receiving a majority of the votes cast for mayor at the consolidated primary election shall be declared mayor. If no candidate receives a majority of the votes, a runoff election shall be held at the consolidated election, when only the names of the candidates receiving the highest and second highest number of votes at the consolidated primary election shall appear on the ballot. If more than one candidate received the highest or second highest number of votes at the consolidated primary election, the names of all candidates receiving the highest and second highest number of votes shall appear on the ballot at the consolidated election. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes at the consolidated election shall be declared elected. (b) The mayor shall hold his or her office for 4 years beginning at noon on the third Monday in May following his or her election, and until his or her successor is elected and qualified. (Source: P.A. 93-847, eff. 7-30-04.)
65 ILCS 20/21-5a
(65 ILCS 20/21-5a) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-5a) Sec. 21-5a. Whenever the date for the runoff election of the mayor of the city of Chicago conflicts with the celebration of Passover, that election shall be postponed to the first Tuesday following the last day of Passover. (Source: P.A. 89-95, eff. 1-1-96.)
65 ILCS 20/21-5.1
(65 ILCS 20/21-5.1) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-5.1) Sec. 21-5.1. Vice Mayor; election; duties; compensation. Following election and qualification of alderpersons at a general election as provided by Section 21-22 of this Act, the City Council shall elect, from among its members, a Vice Mayor, to serve as interim Mayor of Chicago in the event that a vacancy occurs in the office of Mayor or in the event that the Council determines, by 3/5 vote, that the Mayor is under a permanent or protracted disability caused by illness or injury which renders the Mayor unable to serve. The Vice Mayor shall serve as interim Mayor. He will serve until the City Council shall elect one of its members acting Mayor or until the mayoral term expires. The Vice Mayor shall receive no compensation as such, but shall receive compensation as an alderperson even while serving as interim Mayor. While serving as interim Mayor, the Vice Mayor shall possess all rights and powers and shall perform the duties of Mayor. (Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22.)
65 ILCS 20/21-6
(65 ILCS 20/21-6) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-6) Sec. 21-6. Mayor may release prisoners - Pardon board. The mayor shall have the power to release any person imprisoned for violation of any city ordinance; he may, if he sees fit, appoint a pardon board of three persons, consisting of the superintendent of the house of correction and such inspectors thereof as he may select. In case such board be appointed all petitions for release from the house of correction shall in the first instance be addressed to said board and shall be by them forwarded to the mayor, with a report of their findings and recommendations. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-7
(65 ILCS 20/21-7) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-7) Sec. 21-7. Compensation of officers. The compensation of all officers shall be by salary. No officer shall be allowed any fees, perquisites or emoluments or any reward or compensation aside from his salary, but all fees and earnings of his office or department shall be paid by him into the city treasury. The city council shall fix the salaries of all officers, except those who are elected or appointed for a definite term fixed by statute, in the annual appropriation ordinance and those salaries shall not be altered during the same fiscal year. The city council, by ordinance other than the appropriation ordinance, shall fix the compensation of each officer who is elected or appointed for a definite term fixed by statute and his salary shall not be increased or diminished during his term of office. The chairman of the finance committee of the city council shall receive in addition to his or her salary as an alderperson such additional compensation, not exceeding $3,500.00 per annum, as may be provided in the annual appropriation ordinance for his or her services as chairman of said committee. (Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)
65 ILCS 20/21-8
(65 ILCS 20/21-8) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-8) Sec. 21-8. Interest on public funds. Neither the treasurer nor any other officer of the city of Chicago having public funds in his possession or custody shall be entitled to the interest accruing thereon or any part thereof, but such interest shall inure to the benefit of such city and be paid into its treasury. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-9
(65 ILCS 20/21-9) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-9) Sec. 21-9. Deposit of funds - Bids - Designation of banks or savings and loan associations. It shall be the duty of the comptroller at least once in each year before the first day of December to advertise for bids from savings and loan associations or national and State banks for interest upon the money of the city to be deposited in banks or savings and loan associations. Such bids shall be reported to the city council for its information and consideration not later than the fifteenth day of December of each year, to the end that an award or awards may be made upon such bids by the city council before the beginning of each fiscal year. Such awards shall be made to the highest and best responsible bidder or bidders. The city council shall have the power to reject all bids and to designate as many depositaries as it deems necessary for the protection of the city's interests. Only a savings and loan association or a regularly organized State or national bank may be designated as a depositary. The city council shall have power to pass all necessary ordinances to carry the foregoing provisions into effect and provide rules applicable thereto. The city treasurer shall be discharged from responsibility for all moneys deposited by him in any bank or saving and loan association designated as a depositary by order or ordinance of the city council. When money is once deposited in such depositary or depositaries, no check or draft shall be drawn against such deposit without a warrant to the city treasurer signed by the mayor and countersigned by the comptroller. No bank or savings and loan association shall receive public funds as permitted by this Section, unless it has complied with the requirements established pursuant to Section 6 of "An Act relating to certain investments of public funds by public agencies", approved July 23, 1943, as now or hereafter amended. (Source: P.A. 83-541.)
65 ILCS 20/21-10
(65 ILCS 20/21-10) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-10) Sec. 21-10. Official bonds - Civil service employees not to be removed. The city council shall have the power to fix the amount and penalty of the bonds of all city officers and of all municipal employees charged with the custody of money or property. It shall also have the power to require the giving of additional bonds, and to increase or decrease the amount and penalty of the bonds of any officer, and to require the giving of a new bond where the security of an original bond has become either insufficient or in any way impaired, upon penalty of removal from office. The power vested in the city council by this Section shall be so administered as to protect the interests of the city from danger of financial loss, and shall never be used as a means of removing any person from the civil service of the city without a hearing before the Civil Service Commission, in accordance with law. In any such case the city employee or official whose office is sought to be declared vacant by reason of a failure to give a new, additional, or increased bond, shall have the right to have a hearing before the Civil Service Commission upon the question so involved. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-11
(65 ILCS 20/21-11) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-11) Sec. 21-11. Corporation counsel. The head of the law department of the city shall be the corporation counsel. The corporation counsel shall be and act as the legal adviser of the city council and of the several officers, boards and departments of the city. He shall appear for and protect the rights and interests of the city in all actions, suits, and proceedings brought by or against it or any city officer, board or department, including actions for damages when brought against such officer in his official capacity; provided, however, that when an officer or employee of the city is sued personally, even if the cause of action arose out of his official duties, the corporation counsel shall appear for such officer or employee only in case the city council directs him to do so. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-12
(65 ILCS 20/21-12) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-12) Sec. 21-12. City clerk and city treasurer; election; tenure. At the time of election of the mayor there shall be elected also in a nonpartisan election a city clerk and a city treasurer. The candidates receiving a majority of the votes cast for clerk and treasurer at the consolidated primary election shall be declared the clerk and treasurer. If no candidate receives a majority of the votes for one of the offices, a runoff election shall be held at the consolidated election, when only the names of the candidates receiving the highest and second highest number of votes for that office at the consolidated primary election shall appear on the ballot. If more than one candidate received the highest or second highest number of votes for one of the offices at the consolidated primary election, the names of all candidates receiving the highest and second highest number of votes for that office shall appear on the ballot at the consolidated election. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes at the consolidated election shall be declared elected. The clerk and treasurer each shall hold office for a term of 4 years beginning at noon on the third Monday in May following the election and until a successor is elected and qualified. No person, however, shall be elected to the office of city treasurer for 2 terms in succession unless the city, by ordinance, establishes different succession terms. (Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)
65 ILCS 20/21-13 Powers
(65 ILCS 20/21-13) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-13) Sec. 21-13. Powers. The city council shall continue to have all the powers, obligations and duties vested in and imposed upon such body by the other articles of this Act, except so far as altered or modified by the provisions of this article. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-14
(65 ILCS 20/21-14) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-14) Sec. 21-14. Member residency before election; member not to hold other office. (a) No member may be elected or appointed to the city council after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 93rd General Assembly unless he or she has resided in the ward he or she seeks to represent at least one year next preceding the date of the election or appointment. In the election following redistricting, a candidate for alderperson may be elected from any ward containing a part of the ward in which he or she resided for 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 the reelection. (b) No member of the city council shall at the same time hold any other civil service office under the federal, state or city government, except if such member is granted a leave of absence from such civil service office, or except in the National Guard, or as a notary public, and except such honorary offices as go by appointment without compensation. (Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)
65 ILCS 20/21-15
(65 ILCS 20/21-15) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-15) Sec. 21-15. Mayor may submit substitute ordinance. If any ordinance of the city council be returned by the mayor to the council without his approval, the mayor may submit with the message stating his objections thereto, a substitute ordinance, and after the vote by which the original ordinance was passed is reconsidered, then, if no motion be made to pass such original ordinance, the veto of the mayor to the contrary notwithstanding, or if such motion be made and fails of adoption, such substitute ordinance may forthwith be considered, unless two members of the council demand the reference of such substitute ordinance to a committee and if such demand be made, such substitute ordinance shall be so referred unless two-thirds of the members of such council vote in favor of immediate consideration thereof, and if such ordinance receives the affirmative vote of a majority of all members of the council present and voting, shall take effect and be in force in lieu of such vetoed ordinance. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-16
(65 ILCS 20/21-16) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-16) Sec. 21-16. Veto by mayor. Upon the veto of any ordinance by the mayor, if two-thirds of all the members elected to the city council fail to pass the same, the veto of the mayor to the contrary notwithstanding, said ordinance shall not again be considered, unless or until introduced as an original ordinance, at a subsequent meeting. But this Section shall not be construed to prevent the introduction and consideration of a substitute or amended ordinance. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-17
(65 ILCS 20/21-17) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-17) Sec. 21-17. Powers - Use of space over streets. The city council may also regulate the use of space over streets, alleys and public places of the city, and upon payment of proper compensation, to be fixed by ordinance, may permit the use of the space more than twelve feet above the level thereof. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-18
(65 ILCS 20/21-18) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-18) Sec. 21-18. May acquire parks. The city of Chicago may acquire, by purchase or otherwise, municipal parks, play grounds, public beaches and bathing places, and improve, equip, maintain and regulate the same. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-19
(65 ILCS 20/21-19) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-19) Sec. 21-19. Eminent domain. The city may exercise the right of eminent domain by condemnation proceedings in conformity with the provisions of the constitution and statutes of the State of Illinois for the acquirement of property useful, advantageous or desirable for municipal purposes or public welfare. (Source: Laws 1947, p. 497.)
65 ILCS 20/21-19.5
(65 ILCS 20/21-19.5) Sec. 21-19.5. Eminent domain. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, any power granted under this Act to acquire property by condemnation or eminent domain is subject to, and shall be exercised in accordance with, the Eminent Domain Act. (Source: P.A. 94-1055, eff. 1-1-07.)
65 ILCS 20/21-20
(65 ILCS 20/21-20) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-20) Sec. 21-20. Abate nuisances - Regulate hospitals. The city council shall by ordinance, be empowered to declare and define nuisances and abate the same, and shall have the power to regulate the location and conduct of hospitals and infirmaries. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-21
(65 ILCS 20/21-21) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-21) Sec. 21-21. Excess condemnation. In any case brought under the statutes of the State of Illinois for the acquirement of property through the exercise of the right of eminent domain, whether the same is done in connection with a local improvement or otherwise, it shall be lawful for the city of Chicago to take a fee simple and to hold, lease or sell more land than is needed for public improvement whenever the court in which the proceedings have been instituted finds that such excess land is required to protect, preserve or aid the improvement and is reasonable in quantity therefor. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-22
(65 ILCS 20/21-22) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-22) Sec. 21-22. General election for alderpersons; vacancies. (a) A general election for alderpersons shall be held in the year 1943 and every 4 years thereafter, at which one alderperson shall be elected from each of the 50 wards provided for by this Article. The alderpersons elected shall serve for a term of 4 years beginning at noon on the third Monday in May following the election of city officers, and until their successors are elected and have qualified. All elections for alderpersons shall be in accordance with the provisions of law in force and operative in the City of Chicago for such elections at the time the elections are held. (b) Vacancies occurring in the office of alderperson shall be filled in the manner prescribed for filling vacancies in Section 3.1-10-51 of the Illinois Municipal Code. An appointment to fill a vacancy shall be made within 60 days after the vacancy occurs. The requirement that an appointment be made within 60 days is an exclusive power and function of the State and is a denial and limitation under Article VII, Section 6, subsection (h) of the Illinois Constitution of the power of a home rule municipality to require that an appointment be made within a different period after the vacancy occurs. (Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)
65 ILCS 20/21-23
(65 ILCS 20/21-23) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-23) Sec. 21-23. Salaries of alderpersons. The alderpersons in office when this Article is adopted and the alderpersons elected under the provisions of this Article may receive for their services such compensation as shall be fixed by ordinance, at the rate of not to exceed eight thousand dollars per annum for each alderperson. (Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)
65 ILCS 20/21-24
(65 ILCS 20/21-24) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-24) Sec. 21-24. Application - recall elections. The provisions of this Article shall apply to all elections for alderpersons in the city of Chicago. The name of no person shall be printed upon the official ballot as a candidate for alderperson, unless the terms of this Article shall have been complied with. If recall elections are provided for, to be held within the city of Chicago, the provisions of this Article shall apply to such elections, except to the extent that provisions inconsistent herewith are made by the law providing for such recall elections. (Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)
65 ILCS 20/21-25
(65 ILCS 20/21-25) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-25) Sec. 21-25. Times for elections. General elections for alderpersons shall be held in the year or years fixed by law for holding the same, on the last Tuesday of February of such year. Any supplementary election for alderpersons held under the provisions of this Article shall be held on the first Tuesday of April next following the holding of such general election of alderpersons. (Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21; 102-687, eff. 12-17-21.)
65 ILCS 20/21-26
(65 ILCS 20/21-26) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-26) Sec. 21-26. Candidates receiving majority elected - supplementary elections. The candidate receiving a majority of the votes cast for alderperson in each ward at any general or special election shall be declared elected. In the event that no candidate receives a majority of such votes in any ward or wards a supplementary election shall be held at the time prescribed in Section 21-25. At such supplementary election the names of the candidates in each of such wards receiving the highest and second highest number of votes at the preceding general or special election and no others shall be placed on the official ballot: Provided, however, that if there be any candidate who, under the provisions of this Section would have been entitled to a place on the ballot at the supplementary election except for the fact that some other candidate received an equal number of votes, then all such candidates receiving such equal number of votes shall have their names printed on the ballot as candidates at such succeeding supplementary election. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes at such supplementary election shall be declared elected. Such supplementary election shall be deemed a special election under the election and ballot laws in force in the city of Chicago and shall be governed thereby except in so far as such laws are inconsistent with the provisions of this article. (Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)
65 ILCS 20/21-27
(65 ILCS 20/21-27) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-27) Sec. 21-27. Election contest-complaint. Any candidate whose name appears on the ballots used in any ward of the city at any election for alderperson, may contest the election of the candidate who appears to be elected from such ward on the face of the returns, or may contest the right of the candidates who appear to have received the highest and second highest number of votes to places on the official ballot at any supplementary election, by filing within 5 days after such election with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, a complaint in writing, verified by the candidate making the contest, setting forth the grounds of the contest. The contestant in each contest shall also serve notice on all persons who were candidates for alderperson of such ward at the election, within such 5 days, informing them that such complaint has been or will be filed. The Circuit Court of Cook County shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine such contest. All proceedings in relation to such contest after the filing of such complaint shall be the same, as near as may be, as provided for in the case of a contest at a primary election in such city. In case the court shall decide that the complaint is insufficient in law, or that the candidate who appears to have been elected on the face of the return has been duly elected, the complaint shall be dismissed. If it shall appear to the satisfaction of the court that the face of the returns are not correct, and that the candidate who appears thereby to have been elected was not in fact elected, then the candidates having the highest and second highest number of votes as determined by such contest shall be candidates at the subsequent supplementary election as provided for in Section 21-26. (Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)
65 ILCS 20/21-28
(65 ILCS 20/21-28) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-28) Sec. 21-28. Nomination by petition. (a) All nominations for alderperson of any ward in the city shall be by petition. Each petition for nomination of a candidate shall be signed by at least 473 legal voters of the ward. (b) All nominations for mayor, city clerk, and city treasurer in the city shall be by petition. Each petition for nomination of a candidate must be signed by at least 12,500 legal voters of the city. (c) All such petitions, and procedure with respect thereto, shall conform in other respects to the provisions of the election and ballot laws then in force in the city of Chicago concerning the nomination of independent candidates for public office by petition. The method of nomination herein provided is exclusive of and replaces all other methods heretofore provided by law. (Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)
65 ILCS 20/21-29
(65 ILCS 20/21-29) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-29) Sec. 21-29. Withdrawals and substitution of candidates. Any candidate for alderperson under the provisions of this Article may withdraw his name as a candidate by filing with the board of election commissioners of the City of Chicago not later than the date of certification of the ballot his written request signed by him and duly acknowledged before an officer qualified to take acknowledgements of deeds, whereupon his name shall not be printed as a candidate upon the official ballot. If any candidate at an election of alderpersons who was not elected as provided for in this Article but who shall have received sufficient votes to entitle him to a place on the official ballot at the ensuing supplementary election shall die or withdraw his candidacy before such supplementary election, the name of the candidate who shall receive the next highest number of votes shall be printed on the ballot in lieu of the name of the candidate who shall have died or withdrawn his candidacy. (Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)
65 ILCS 20/21-30
(65 ILCS 20/21-30) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-30) Sec. 21-30. Form of ballot. Ballots to be used at any general, supplementary or special election for alderpersons held under the provisions of this Article, in addition to other requirements of law, shall conform to the following requirements: (1) At the top of the ballots shall be printed in capital letters the words designating the ballot. If a general election of alderpersons the words shall be "Official election of alderpersons ballot"; if a supplementary election the designating words shall be "Official supplementary election of alderpersons ballot"; if a special election of alderpersons, the words shall be "Special election of alderpersons ballot." (2) Beginning not less than one inch below such designating words and extending across the face of the ballot, the title of each office to be filled shall be printed in capital letters. (3) The names of candidates for different terms of service therein (if any there be), shall be arranged and printed in groups according to the length of such terms. (4) Immediately below the title of each office or group heading indicating the term of office, shall be printed in small letters the directions to voters, "Vote for one." (5) Following thereupon shall be printed the names of the candidates for such office according to the title and the term thereof and below the name of each candidate shall be printed his place of residence, stating the street and number (if any). The names of candidates shall be printed in capital letters not less than one-eighth nor more than one-quarter of an inch in height, and immediately at the left of the name of each candidate shall be printed a square, the sides of which shall not be less than one-quarter of an inch in length. The names of all the candidates for each office shall be printed in a column and arranged in the order hereinafter designated; all names of candidates shall be printed in uniform type; the places of residence of such candidates shall be printed in uniform type; and squares upon said ballots shall be of uniform size; and spaces between the names of the candidates for the same office shall be of uniform size. (6) The names of the candidates for alderperson shall appear upon the ballot in the order in which petitions for nomination have been filed in the office of the board of election commissioners. However, 2 or more petitions filed within the last hour of the filing deadline shall be deemed filed simultaneously. Where 2 or more petitions are received simultaneously, the board of election commissioners shall break ties and determine the order of filing by means of a lottery or other fair and impartial method of random selection approved by the board of election commissioners. Such lottery shall be conducted within 9 days following the last day for petition filing and shall be open to the public. Seven days written notice of the time and place of conducting such random selection shall be given, by the board of election commissioners, to the Chairman of each political party and to each organization of citizens within the city which was entitled, under the Election Code, at the next preceding election, to have pollwatchers present on the day of election. The board of election commissioners shall post in a conspicuous, open and public place, at the entrance of the office, notice of the time and place of such lottery. The board of election commissioners shall adopt rules and regulations governing the procedures for the conduct of such lottery. (Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)
65 ILCS 20/21-31
(65 ILCS 20/21-31) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-31) Sec. 21-31. Allotment of ballots by precincts. Each precinct of any ward shall be allotted at least ten per cent more ballots than there are registered voters in such precinct. On the back or outside of the ballot of each precinct so as to appear when folded shall be printed the appropriate words designating said ballot, followed by the designation of said precinct, the date of the election, and a facsimile of the signature of the proper election official. (Source: P.A. 86-867.)
65 ILCS 20/21-32
(65 ILCS 20/21-32) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-32) Sec. 21-32. Party designations prohibited - Ballot to be separate from other ballots. No party name, party initial, party circle platform, principle, appellation or distinguishing mark of any kind shall be printed upon any election ballot used at any election for mayor, city clerk, city treasurer, or alderperson held under the provisions of this Article. (Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)
65 ILCS 20/21-33
(65 ILCS 20/21-33) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-33) Sec. 21-33. Challengers and watchers. Any candidate for alderperson under the terms of this Article may appoint in writing over his signature not more than one representative for each place of voting, who shall have the right to act as challenger and watcher for such candidate at any election at which his name is being voted upon. Such challenger and watcher shall have the same powers and privileges as a challenger and watcher under the election laws of this State applicable to Chicago. No political party shall have the right to keep any challenger or watcher at any polling place at any election held under the provisions of this Article unless candidates for some office other than alderperson are to be voted for at the same time. (Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)
65 ILCS 20/21-34
(65 ILCS 20/21-34) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-34) Sec. 21-34. Certificate of election. No certificate of election shall be given to any candidate who shall be declared elected at any general election of alderpersons until after the date fixed by this Article for the holding of the supplementary election provided for in this Article. (Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)
65 ILCS 20/21-35
(65 ILCS 20/21-35) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-35) Sec. 21-35. Election laws apply when consistent. All laws in force in the city of Chicago governing elections for municipal offices or applicable thereto and not inconsistent with the provisions of this article, shall apply to and govern all elections held under the terms of this article. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-36
(65 ILCS 20/21-36) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-36) Sec. 21-36. City to have fifty wards. The city of Chicago shall be divided into fifty wards. In the formation of wards the population of each shall be as nearly equal as practicable and each shall be composed of contiguous and compact territory. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-37
(65 ILCS 20/21-37) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-37) Sec. 21-37. Additional territory to be annexed to existing wards. Whenever territory is annexed to the city, the city council shall by ordinance declare it a part of the ward or wards which it adjoins: Provided, that at any time after such territory is annexed the city council may provide for the redistricting of the city in accordance with the provisions of this article. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-38
(65 ILCS 20/21-38) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-38) Sec. 21-38. Redistricting every ten years. If the city council has not redistricted the City of Chicago since the taking of the national census of 1940, then within three months after the adoption of this Article by the voters it shall be the duty of the city council to pass an ordinance redistricting the city into fifty wards in accordance with the provisions of this Article. On or before the first day of December, of the year following the year in which the national census is taken, and every ten years thereafter, the city council shall by ordinance redistrict the city on the basis of the national census of the preceding year. All elections of alderpersons shall be held from the existing wards until a redistricting is had as provided for in this Article. (Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)
65 ILCS 20/21-39
(65 ILCS 20/21-39) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-39) Sec. 21-39. When redistricting ordinance takes effect - substitute ordinance may be submitted. No such redistricting ordinance shall take effect until the expiration of 15 days after its passage. If within such 15 days 1/5 or more of the alderpersons elected, who did not vote to pass such redistricting ordinance, file with the city clerk a proposed substitute ordinance redistricting the city in accordance with the provisions of this Article, together with a petition signed by them demanding that the question of the adoption of the redistricting ordinance passed by the city council, together with the question of the adoption of such substitute ordinance, be submitted to the voters, then such redistricting ordinance passed by the city council shall not go into effect until the question of this adoption shall have been submitted to a popular vote: Provided, that no alderperson shall have the right to sign more than one such petition. Upon the expiration of such 15 days the city clerk shall promptly certify to the board of election commissioners of the city of Chicago, the ordinance passed by the city council and such substitute ordinance or ordinances and petition or petitions, and it shall thereupon be the duty of the board of election commissioners to submit the ordinances so certified to a popular vote at the next general or municipal election, to be held in and for the entire city not less than 40 days after the passage of such redistricting ordinance by the city council. (Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)
65 ILCS 20/21-40
(65 ILCS 20/21-40) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-40) Sec. 21-40. Failure of council to act - one-fifth of the alderpersons may submit redistricting ordinance. If the city council shall fail at any time to pass a redistricting ordinance as required in this Article, one-fifth or more of the alderpersons elected shall have the right to file with the city clerk, not less than 40 days before the date of holding any general, municipal, or special election, to be held in and for the entire city, an ordinance redistricting the city in accordance with the provisions of this Article, together with a petition signed by them demanding that such ordinance be submitted to the legal voters at the next such election in and for the entire city to be held not less than 40 days after the filing of such ordinance and petition: Provided, that no alderperson shall have the right to sign more than one such petition. Upon the expiration of the time for filing any such ordinance the city clerk shall promptly certify to the board of election commissioners of the City of Chicago any ordinance or ordinances, together with any petition or petitions, so filed and thereupon it shall be the duty of the board of election commissioners to submit such ordinance or ordinances to a popular vote at the election specified in such petition or petitions: Provided, that if, after the filing of any such ordinance and petition and not less than 40 days prior to such election, the city council shall pass an ordinance redistricting the city, then the question of the adoption of any ordinance or ordinances filed with the city clerk in accordance with the provisions of this Section shall not be submitted to a popular vote. However, after such action by the city council, a substitute ordinance or ordinances may be proposed in the manner provided in this Article. (Source: P.A. 102-15, eff. 6-17-21.)
65 ILCS 20/21-41
(65 ILCS 20/21-41) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-41) Sec. 21-41. Redistricting ordinance submitted; form of ballot. If the question of the adoption of one of 2 or more redistricting ordinances is submitted to the voters at any election, the ballots used for the submission of such proposition shall, in addition to the other requirements of law, conform substantially to the following requirements: 1. Above the propositions submitted the following words shall be printed in capital letters: "PROPOSITIONS FOR THE REDISTRICTING OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO." 2. Immediately below said words shall be printed in small letters the direction to voters: "Vote for One." 3. Following thereupon shall be printed each proposition to be voted upon in substantially the following form: ---------------------------------------------------------- For the adoption of an ordinance for the redistricting of the City of Chicago (here insert "passed by the city council" or "proposed by Alderpersons (here insert names of the alderpersons signing petition)" as the case may require). ---------------------------------------------------------- For the adoption of an ordinance for the redistricting of the City of Chicago proposed by Alderpersons (here insert names of the alderpersons signing the petition). ---------------------------------------------------------- Whenever the question of the adoption of but one redistricting ordinance shall be submitted to the voters, the form of the ballot shall be substantially as follows: ---------------------------------------------------------- Shall the ordinance proposed by Alderpersons (Here insert the names of the alderpersons signing the petition) be adopted? -------------------------------------------------------- YES NO ---------------------------------------------------------- 4. All the propositions shall be printed in uniform type. (Source: P.A. 104-852, eff. 8-21-26.)
65 ILCS 20/21-42
(65 ILCS 20/21-42) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-42) Sec. 21-42. Redistricting ordinance submitted - When in effect. If the question of the adoption of one of two or more redistricting ordinances is submitted to the voters at any election, the ordinance for which the highest number of votes is cast shall be deemed approved and shall thereupon be in force and effect. If the question of the adoption of but one such ordinance is submitted at any election and a majority of the votes cast thereon are for the adoption of such ordinance, it shall thereupon be in force and effect; otherwise such ordinance shall not go into effect. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-43
(65 ILCS 20/21-43) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-43) Sec. 21-43. Election and ballot laws to apply where consistent. All election and ballot laws in force in the city of Chicago governing the submission of propositions to a popular vote or applicable thereto and not inconsistent with the provisions of this article shall apply to and govern the submission of any propositions provided for in this article. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-44
(65 ILCS 20/21-44) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-44) Sec. 21-44. "Public utility" defined - Franchise from city council necessary for use of streets or public ways. The words "public utility" as used in this article shall mean and include all public utilities engaged in the local transportation of passengers for hire, except railroads constituting or used as a part of a trunk line railroad system, and except interurban railroads whose principal business is not that of local transportation of passengers within the city of Chicago. No such public utility shall use or occupy any street or other public way or public place within control of the city of Chicago without a franchise or license from the city council, and any such public utility using or occupying any such street or other public way or public place for the transaction of its business pursuant to any authority other than a franchise or license from the city council, which has not expired, shall cease and desist from using or occupying any such street or other public way or public place unless it shall have obtained a franchise or license from the city council for such use or occupancy. No such public utility shall continue to use or occupy any street or other public way or public place within control of the city of Chicago after the expiration of its franchise or license from the city council unless the term of such franchise or license shall have been extended prior to its expiration. Any such public utility which shall have subsisting a franchise or license from the city of Chicago to use or occupy any street or other public way or public place within control of the city of Chicago shall have full power and authority to engage in and conduct its business without any further authority or consent from the Illinois Commerce Commission. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-45
(65 ILCS 20/21-45) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-45) Sec. 21-45. City may require extensions. The city of Chicago shall have power and authority to require every public utility, as defined in this article, to make additions and extensions to its plant, equipment and property within the city, and from time to time to change the location of its plant, equipment and property in any street or other public way or public place within the control of the city, and to require and authorize any such public utility to make extensions of its service over such additional streets or other public ways or public places within control of the city of Chicago, as the city council may by ordinance determine; and any such public utility which has been so required or authorized by the city council shall have full power and authority to make such additions, extensions and changes of location without further authority or permission from the Illinois Commerce Commission. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-46
(65 ILCS 20/21-46) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-46) Sec. 21-46. Removal of street car tracks. The city of Chicago shall have authority to order the removal of any street car tracks upon the streets or other public ways or public places within control of the city of Chicago maintained without lawful authority; to order the removal of any such tracks that are obsolete or unnecessary; to order changes in the grade and in the location of any such tracks; and to order the paving of the areas inside of or adjacent to any such tracks; and if any public utility maintaining such tracks shall fail to remove, change, or relocate the same, or shall fail to pave any area as ordered within such reasonable time as may be fixed in any order of the city, the city shall be authorized to do such work and recover the cost thereof from the public utility by any appropriate action. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-47
(65 ILCS 20/21-47) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-47) Sec. 21-47. Examination as to compliance. The city of Chicago shall have power with respect to all public utilities as defined in this article to examine such public utilities and keep informed as to their compliance with the requirements of their franchises and licenses and with any requirement under the provisions of this article. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-48
(65 ILCS 20/21-48) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-48) Sec. 21-48. Power to city of Chicago exclusive. No order, decision, rule or regulation heretofore or hereafter made by the State Public Utilities Commission or by the Illinois Commerce Commission, or any department or agency of the State succeeding to any of the powers of the Illinois Commerce Commission, shall interfere with the full exercise of the powers and authority conferred upon the city of Chicago by this article. (Source: Laws 1941, vol. 2, p. 19.)
65 ILCS 20/21-49 Not to affect Sections 14-101 through 14-110 of The Public Utilities Act
(65 ILCS 20/21-49) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-49) Sec. 21-49. Not to affect Sections 14-101 through 14-110 of The Public Utilities Act. Nothing contained in Sections 21-44 to 21-49, inclusive, shall be construed to affect or repeal in any way the provisions of Sections 14-101 through 14-110 of The Public Utilities Act, and Sections 21-44 to 21-49, inclusive, shall not be effective at any time after the creation and establishment of the Transit Commission under the provisions of Sections 14-101 through 14-110 of The Public Utilities Act. (Source: P.A. 85-1209.)
65 ILCS 20/21-50
(65 ILCS 20/21-50) (from Ch. 24, par. 21-50) Sec. 21-50. The City of Chicago may establish community based committees which shall consist of community leaders, and such committees shall coordinate all State and federal economic programs except where otherwise prohibited by federal law. (Source: P.A. 84-1090.)
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs.aspFetched: 10/17/2026