Voter Information

An advisory question is a type of ballot measure that asks voters a non-binding question. The largest difference between an advisory vote and any other type of ballot measure is that the outcome of the ballot question is not legally binding and will not directly result in a new, changed, or rejected law or constitutional amendment. Rather, the advisory question allows voters to express their general opinion on the issue.

In Illinois, advisory questions require a simple majority vote in each legislative chamber during one legislative session. That amounts to a minimum of 60 votes in the Illinois House of Representatives and 30 votes in the Illinois State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Advisory questions require the governor's signature to appear on the ballot. 

The advisory questions were proposed in Illinois Senate Bill 2412 (SB2412), which was sponsored by State Sen. Don Harmon (D) and State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D). In addition to the referendum questions, SB2412 also blocked established political party committees from putting candidates on the general election ballot if they do not go through the primary process.

SB2412 passed the Illinois House of Representatives by 67-4 on May 1, 2024, with 67 Democrats voting for the bill, four Democrats voting against it, and 39 Republicans and 4 Democrats not voting on the measure. The bill then passed the Illinois State Senate by 35-3 on May 2, 2024, with 35 Democrats voting for the bill and 3 Democrats voting against it, while 19 Republicans and 1 Democrat did not vote.

Full Text of SB2412

Should any candidate appearing on the Illinois ballot for federal, State, or local office be subject to civil penalties if the candidate interferes or attempts to interfere with an election worker's official duties?

Should the Illinois Constitution be amended to create an additional 3% tax on income greater than $1,000,000 for the purpose of dedicating funds raised to property tax relief?

Should all medically appropriate assisted reproductive treatments, including, but not limited to, in vitro fertilization, be covered by any health insurance plan in Illinois that provides coverage for pregnancy benefits, without limitation on the number of treatments?

https://www.isba.org/judicial-elections/counties/coles

"Vote on the Proposition with respect to all or any of the Judges listed on this ballot. No Judge listed is running against any other Judge. The sole question is whether each Judge shall be retained in his or her present office."

SHALL Robert J. Steigmann be retained in office as JUDGE OF THE APPELLATE COURT FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT? 

ISBA Judicial Evaluation – No

Robert J. Steigmann (Not Recommended for Retention)

Meets Requirements Of Office - 74.82

Integrity - 76.79

Impartiality - 69.37

Legal Ability - 94.24

Temperament - 68.68

Court Management - 94.87

Health - 88.52

Sensitivity - 78.37

Number of Respondents - 297 

https://www.isba.org/judicial-elections/reports/all-results

SHALL Craig DeArmond be retained in office as JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT? 

ISBA Judicial Evaluation – Recommended

Craig DeArmond – Recommended

Meets Requirements Of Office - 100

Integrity - 100

Impartiality - 100

Legal Ability - 97.30

Temperament - 99.97

Court Management - 97.22

Health - 100

Sensitivity - 100

Number of Respondents -37 

https://www.isba.org/judicial-elections/counties/coles

SHALL Brien J. O'Brien be retained in office as JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT? 

ISBA Judicial Evaluation – Recommended

Brien J. O'Brien – Recommended

Meets Requirements Of Office - 93.48

Integrity - 95.56

Impartiality - 91.30

Legal Ability - 95.65

Temperament - 97.78

Court Management - 100

Health - 100

Sensitivity - 100

Number of Respondents - 46 

https://www.isba.org/judicial-elections/counties/coles

SHALL Charles "Charlie" Hall be retained in office as JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT? 

ISBA Judicial Evaluation – Recommended

Charles "Charlie" Hall – Recommended

Meets Requirements Of Office - 89.66

Integrity - 93.33

Impartiality - 96.43

Legal Ability - 90.00

Temperament - 96.55

Court Management - 92.86

Health - 88.46

Sensitivity - 96.30

Number of Respondents - 30 

https://www.isba.org/judicial-elections/counties/coles

SHALL Mark E. Bovard be retained in office as JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT? 

ISBA Judicial Evaluation – Recommended

Mark E. Bovard – Recommended

Meets Requirements Of Office - 97.56

Integrity - 100

Impartiality - 100

Legal Ability - 97.50

Temperament - 100

Court Management - 97.56

Health - 100

Sensitivity - 100

Number of Respondents - 41 

https://www.isba.org/judicial-elections/counties/coles