Illinois Voters to Consider Anti-BDS Law Referendum

Voters in several Illinois townships will weigh in on the state law restricting business boycotts of Israel on November 3.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Unions

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring a geometric brick archway, evoking the institutional gravity of Illinois state policy debates. — Illinois voters in Champaign and Cunningham townships will cast ballots on a non-binding referendum concerning state pension investment policies regarding Israel. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should state pension funds be used to penalize companies based on their political boycotts?

Residents of Champaign and Cunningham townships are set to vote on a non-binding referendum regarding the state law that penalizes businesses for boycotting Israel. Six other Illinois townships will also include similar questions on their ballots during the November 3 election.

Why it matters

The referendum serves as a test of public sentiment on legislation that proponents argue restricts First Amendment rights, while opponents maintain it is a necessary protection against the normalization of violence. Lawmakers are expected to look at the results as an indicator of constituent support for or opposition to existing policy.

The Illinois anti-BDS law has been in effect for 11 years, and the Illinois Investment Policy Board currently maintains a restricted list of 27 companies, including Adidas and Air Canada.

The players

Carol Ammons

She is a member of the Illinois House of Representatives who sponsored legislative attempts to modify the state anti-BDS law.

Illinois Investment Policy Board

This state entity is responsible for managing the list of companies prohibited from receiving pension fund investments due to business ties with specific nations.

The details

The referendum asks voters if Illinois should repeal amendments to the Illinois Pension Code that currently prohibit investments in companies that boycott Israel. While State Representative Carol Ammons previously introduced legislation to remove these companies from the restricted list, those bills have not advanced in the state legislature.

The state passed its original anti-BDS law in 2015.
The Illinois Investment Policy Board added Unilever to the restricted list in 2021.
Election Day voting is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

Political Context

The push to repeal these provisions faces resistance from those who argue the law protects against the ostracization of Israel. This debate centers on whether the state pension system should be used as a tool for geopolitical signaling or managed strictly for financial returns.

While the vote is non-binding, it directly affects the political pressure placed on local representatives regarding the state's investment priorities. Residents can express their stance on how the Illinois Pension Code handles boycotts through the ballot on Election Day.

The takeaway

Voters have a chance to make their voices heard on a law that has long been a flashpoint for state financial policy. This non-binding vote will likely play a major role in shaping future legislative conversations regarding the state pension board's restricted list.