Chicago Voters to Decide on Three Advisory Referendums

Residents will cast non-binding votes on tax policy, gunshot detection, and federal immigration impact funding.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in City Hall

Chicago Voters to Decide on Three Advisory Referendums

Live Poll

Do you believe advisory ballot questions effectively influence local government policy in your community?

Chicago voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to weigh in on three separate advisory referendums. These non-binding ballot questions aim to provide guidance to lawmakers on fiscal and public safety issues.

Why it matters

These referendums allow the public to express preferences on critical issues, helping officials gauge support for future state and city policy changes. While the results do not mandate action, they serve as a barometer for public sentiment on taxes and resource allocation.

The proposed millionaire tax includes a 3% income tax surcharge, with revenue split equally between property tax relief and public education funding. Additionally, a study cited $1.2 billion in lost revenue for Chicago area businesses due to Operation Midway Blitz.

The players

Brandon Johnson

He is the current Mayor of Chicago who ended the city's contract with the gunshot detection provider ShotSpotter in 2024.

Chicago City Council

This is the legislative body responsible for city governance that approved the advisory referendum regarding the potential return of gunshot detection technology.

The details

The referendums cover a potential millionaire tax, the reinstatement of gunshot detection technology following the 2024 termination of the ShotSpotter contract, and seeking compensation for federal immigration policy impacts. Voters will use these questions to inform city and state leaders, as Illinois currently maintains a flat tax system and lacks a binding constitutional amendment on millionaire taxation.

2024: Mayor Brandon Johnson terminated the city's ShotSpotter contract.
Spring 2026: Lawmakers failed to pass a binding tax amendment.
Summer 2026: City Council approved the advisory referendum on gunshot detection.
November 3, 2026: Midterm Election Day.

Political Context

The proposed tax surcharge represents a direct challenge to the Illinois flat tax system, which has long governed state revenue policy. Opposition from legislative critics remains focused on the inability to secure a binding constitutional amendment, arguing that advisory measures fall short of actual fiscal reform.

While these votes do not change current laws, they signal potential future shifts in local property tax relief and public safety spending. Residents should view these results as indicators of how policymakers may prioritize public education funding and municipal contracts in the coming year.

The takeaway

These referendums allow residents to directly influence the policy priorities of their representatives before the legislative session resumes. Voters should track these results to see which policy areas gain the most mandate for potential implementation by state and city officials.