Episode Details

Local voters are approving big-ticket bonds and taxes while rejecting others — but turnout remains shockingly low, especially on complex property tax questions. In recent elections, voters greenlit $335.5 million in new debt and $3.7 million in taxes, while killing $54 million in bonds and $3.5 million in taxes. A new report from Maria Pappas’ office reveals this pattern again — just a small slice of voters is making big financial decisions for everyone else. Of 20 suburban referendums, 15 passed — and even when voters said “yes” to tax rebates (a symbolic protest against high taxes), turnout was just 21.5%. The problem? Ballot questions are often buried, confusing, and over 200 words long — with jargon like “equalized assessed values.” A bill to simplify these questions is in the works. Ahead, big bond requests loom: Skokie Park District wants $53 million, and West Dundee’s school district is asking for $355.5 million. Will more people show up to decide their community’s future?

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