Illinois Statutes Chapter 65. Municipalities §-65 5/3.1-10-65. Referendum to reduce terms

(a) In any municipality of less than 500,000 inhabitants, a proposition to reduce the terms of the elective officers of the municipality from 4 years to 2 years may be submitted, within the discretion of the corporate authorities, to the electors of the municipality. The proposition shall also be submitted if a petition requesting that 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 municipality and the petition is filed with the municipal clerk and certified in accordance with the general election law.  1 The proposition shall be substantially in the following form:

Shall the term of the elective officers of (name of municipality) be reduced from 4 years to 2 years?

(b) If a majority of the electors voting on the proposition vote against it, the terms of the officers shall remain 4 years. If, however, a majority of those voting on the proposition vote in favor of it, the officers elected at the next regular election for officers in the municipality shall hold their offices for a term of 2 years and until their successors are elected and have qualified, except in the case of trustees and alderpersons. In the case of alderpersons and trustees: (i) at the first election of alderpersons or trustees that occurs in an odd numbered year following the vote to reduce the length of terms, successors to alderpersons or trustees whose terms expire in that year shall be elected for a term of one year and until their successors are elected and have qualified and (ii) thereafter, one-half of the alderpersons or trustees shall be elected each year for terms of 2 years and until their successors are elected and have qualified.