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Peoria electors approve advisory question on state law restricting boycotts for November ballot after heated debate
Summary
Peoria electors voted 69–27 to place a nonbinding advisory question on the November 3, 2026 ballot asking state legislators to consider overturning parts of Illinois law that restrict pension investments in companies that boycott Israel; supporters called it a free-speech and pension-protection measure while opponents said it was divisive and misworded for the township ballot.
At the annual Peoria town meeting on April 14, electors voted to place a nonbinding advisory question on the November 3, 2026 ballot concerning Illinois laws that restrict pension funds from investing in companies that boycott Israel.
Petition spokesperson Justin Luba framed the proposal as a civil liberties and financial issue, saying the state’s restrictions “make it illegal for state funds, particularly pension funds, to be invested in companies that divest from or boycott Israel,” and arguing that the policy can harm pension performance. Luba said the question seeks to restore constitutional protections for protest and protect retirees’ investments.
Opponents said this kind of foreign-policy question is outside typical township business and criticized the petition’s wording. Greg Johnston argued the advisory question “does not have anything to do with any local interest in Peoria Township” and said the petition risked inserting a polarizing national issue into a local forum. Several speakers also pointed out the petition used the phrase “congressional members” where it apparently meant state representatives and senators.
Speakers on both sides tied the question to strong values: Kathy McNeal, identifying herself with the ACLU’s Peoria chapter, urged a “yes” vote to protect free-speech principles; others, including Joseph Strauss, warned the measure could be used to undermine anti-discrimination protections for Jewish businesses.
The Clerk recorded a vote of 69 yes and 27 no. The Township Board will certify the question at its next board meeting and submit it to the Peoria County Election Commission for placement on the November ballot as a nonbinding advisory referendum.
Why it matters: Although nonbinding, advisory referenda can signal voter views to state lawmakers. The council and petitioners disagreed whether the topic fits township business and some electors raised concerns about wording that references the wrong legislative body.
Next: The certified question will be transmitted to election officials for inclusion on the November ballot if procedural steps are completed.
