Skokie Term Limits Referendum Wins By Large Margin

SKOKIE, IL — Skokie voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum establishing term limits on village officials, with nearly five out of six supporting the measure on Election Day.

The binding referendum question will limit the village’s mayor, clerk, and trustees to three consecutive four-year terms in the latest initiative-driven shift in local governance. Unofficial results from the Cook County Clerk show 20,184 votes in favor and 3,901 against — a margin of 84 percent to 16.

The measure will restrict the mayor, village clerk, and trustees to three consecutive four-year terms, starting with the 2025 election cycle for at-large positions and the 2027 cycle for district-specific trustee seats.

This change comes as the village board shifts toward staggered terms for trustees and a hybrid of district and at-large representation.

In July, the village board voted to place the term limits referendum on the Nov. 5 ballot, with Mayor George Van Dusen, who has served since 1999, expressing support for the measure as a response to community and board interest.

The board initially considered adding a second referendum on ranked-choice voting, which would let voters rank candidates by preference. However, the board opted to postpone that decision after consulting legal experts who highlighted a lack of state framework to support such a system.

Trustee James Johnson, who called for both referendums to be placed on the ballot as part of his campaign for village clerk, celebrated the term limit win in a statement to Skokie Patch.

"I started this term limit referendum as part of my campaign for Village Clerk, and I was excited when the Village Board placed it on our November ballot. This is another great achievement for local electoral reform," Johnson said. "And next April, I hope Skokie voters keep the momentum going with a 'Yes' for ranked-choice voting!"

In addition to the Skokie term limits measure, voters are deciding on several state and county offices, including Illinois General Assembly races where incumbents face challengers in local districts, and seats for Cook County Board, Cook County State’s Attorney, and Clerk of the Circuit Court.

In nearby Niles, residents are considering a binding referendum to move from at-large trustee representation to a ward-based system of six districts. This proposal has generated debate over potential administrative costs and local representation, with Niles officials recently mailing information outlining possible impacts of the change.

Related: 3 Terms And You're Out? Term Limits For Skokie Elected Officials Are On The Ballot