What’s on the November ballot in Madison County?

MADISON COUNTY, Ill. – As voters in Madison County prepare to hit the polls for the November general election, here’s a guide for voters in the area.

No-excuse absentee voting began Oct. 22, and voters may be unfamiliar with ballot items specific to Madison County. You can see your sample ballot here.

Many election officials recommend voters vote absentee as it may take extra time to fill out the ballot, leading to longer waiting lines on Nov. 5.

State ballot measures

All registered Madison County voters will have the opportunity to vote on three Illinois propositions referenced as “statewide advisory questions.”

The advisory questions are considered non-binding, so the measures do not ensure such a change would happen, though state officials will review the results to learn more about possible changes residents may support in the state of Illinois.

The approval of an advisory question may encourage lawmakers to introduce legislation or policy changes based on voter preferences. For these advisory questions to become a reality, however, it would still require normal legislative processes in Illinois, including approval from the state’s general assembly and governor.

FIRST-LISTED QUESTION

The first-listed advisory question asks, “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?”

A majority “yes” vote would suggest support for imposing penalties on candidates who interfere with election worker duties, while a majority “no” vote would indicate opposition to potential penalties.

SECOND-LISTED QUESTION

The second-listed advisory question asks, “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?”

A majority “yes” vote would indicate support for creating a 3% tax for people with an income above $1 million and using those funds for property tax relief. A majority “no” vote would suggest opposition to such a change and a preference to maintain Illinois’ current tax structure without this additional tax.

THIRD-LISTED QUESTION

The third-listed advisory question asks, “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?”

A majority “yes” vote would suggest support for a state requirement to cover all IVF treatments through state health insurance plans. A majority “no” vote would indicate opposition and leave current policies around Illinois health insurance plans unchanged.

U.S. President

All voters in Madison County will have the opportunity to vote for the U.S. presidential ticket, selecting a president and vice president.

Donald Trump/J.D. Vance (Republican)

Kamala D. Harris/Tim Walz (Democrat)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr./Nicole Shanahan (Independent)

U.S. Representative

Voters in Madison County will have the opportunity to vote in one race for an Illinois United States Representative seat.

Incumbent Nikki Budzinski (Democrat) and challenger Joshua Lloyd (Republican) are up for election.

U.S House Illinois District 15

Incumbent Mary Miller (Republican) is running for this seat unopposed.

Illinois State Senate District 55

Incumbent Jason Plummer (Republican) is running for this seat unopposed.

Illinois House of Representatives

Five district seats that represent parts of Madison County within the Illinois House of Representatives have candidates up for election.

County Seats

All voters in Madison County will have the opportunity to vote for candidates in five county seats.

County Board Members

Registered voters in Madison County will have the opportunity to vote for 10 county board members.

Sanitary District

All registered voters in Madison County will have the opportunity to vote for the Holiday Shores Sanitary District Trustee and Rosewood Heights Sanitary District Trustee.

Judicial Candidate Retention Ballot

Registered voters in Madison County will have the opportunity to vote “yes” or “no” on whether the judges listed shall remain in office despite having no running mate.

Kyle Anne Napp

Chris Bauer

Sarah Smith

Propositions

Advisory Referendum

Voters in Madison County will have the opportunity to vote “yes” or “no” on whether Cook County remain in the state of Illinois or possibly be formed into a new state.

As stated on the ballot:

“Shall the board of Madison County correspond with the boards of other counties of Illinois, outside of Cook County, about the possibility of separating from Cook County to form a new state and to seek admission to the Union as such, subject to the approval of the people?“

Proposition to Issue $26.1 million School Building Bonds

Voters in Madison County will have the chance to vote on whether to pass a $26.1 million school building bond for Staunton Community Unit School District Number 6.

As stated on the ballot:

“Shall the Board of Education of Staunton Community Unit School District Number 6, Macoupin and Madison Counties, Illinois, build, alter, repair and equip school buildings and facilities, including installing safety and security improvements, increasing accessibility with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance measures, renovating classrooms and other instructional areas and installing air conditioning in the District’s main gym, build and equip auxiliary gym and classroom additions to the Staunton High School Building and improve school sites, including relocating the bus parking area, and issue its bonds to the amount of $26,100,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?“