Urbana electorate approves advisory referendum asking Illinois to repeal pension‑code penalties on boycotts

Cunningham Township electors voted on April 14 to place a nonbinding advisory referendum on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot asking the state to repeal amendments to the Illinois Pension Code that penalize businesses for boycotting Israel. The clerk announced the final tally after in‑meeting paper ballots: 62 yes, 11 no, and 4 voided ballots.

The referendum drew more than an hour of public comment with speakers sharply divided over whether the question protects free speech or risks enabling support for groups the federal government considers terrorist organizations. ‘‘This referendum addresses the right to engage in peaceful protest,’’ said Brian Maxwell, a community supporter who opened the public comment period. Derek Briles, a resident who urged a yes vote, called the law ‘‘an issue of free speech’’ and spoke in strongly worded terms about Israel and the conflict. In contrast, speakers including Alexander Stler said they would vote no, stressing national‑security and legal concerns.

Several speakers framed the question as one about democratic participation rather than direct policymaking. ‘‘I don’t think it’s right for government to tell us how to divest or invest,’’ said Jessica Yasine, who said she would vote yes to protect private choice. Others warned of legal and safety limits on conduct that the state already regulates.

Town staff and the clerk explained the procedural steps that follow an affirmative electorate vote. Under state law (60 ILCS 130/205), a successful petition placed the advisory question on this annual meeting agenda; if the electorate directs placement by passing the motion here, the clerk will submit documents to the county clerk. The township board must then ratify the action via a formal resolution before the county clerk will put the advisory question on the ballot. The clerk reiterated that the advisory referendum is nonbinding and creates no immediate legal obligation for state or local government.

The advisory question drew broad local engagement: the moderator limited comments to two minutes per speaker under rules the electorate adopted at the meeting. After tabulation, the clerk announced the result and said the clerk’s office will follow statutory filing requirements and notify the county clerk pending the township board’s ratification.

Next steps: the township clerk will prepare the required filings for the county clerk and the township board will take a formal ratification vote at a public meeting before the question can be certified for the November ballot.