A new report from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas found that in 75 binding property-tax related referendums put on ballots between 2020 and 2023, the average turnout was 32%.
Cook County voters are staring down more than a dozen referendums to raise taxes in the March 19 primary, including the Bring Chicago Home question championed by Mayor Brandon Johnson.from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas — whose office mails out property tax bills — found that in 75 binding property tax-related referendums put on ballots between 2020 and 2023, the average turnout was 32% of all registered voters.
Pappas’ office also compiles data on debts attributable to various taxing bodies; Pappas has argued more voter awareness and participation would tamp down fiscal irresponsibility. Four to exceed so-called PTELL limits on property tax rates for the Northlake Public Library, Palos Community Consolidated School District 118, Prospect Heights School District 23 and Robbins Park District;
Despite the major impact of such votes — on whether to stop or start up a fire department, build a new school or provide mental health services — just 12% of the referendums in that span drew more than half of registered voters to the polls, and 47% were decided by less than a quarter of voters.
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