AURORA, Ill. (WBBM Newsradio) – A Kane County judge has upheld a referendum asking Aurora voters whether to establish a process for recalling a sitting mayor, but opponents have appealed.
Circuit Judge Elizabeth Flood ruled Oct. 21 in favor of the Aurora electoral board’s decision to allow the question on the November ballot. The measure is already appearing on early voting ballots.
Approval would establish a recall process rather than immediately remove Mayor John Laesch or any other mayor.
Under the proposal, residents seeking a recall would need petition signatures equal to 20% of the votes cast in the previous mayoral election. The question would then go before voters at the next election, with a majority required to remove the mayor.
The City Council would have 30 days to fill the vacancy. If more than 13 months remained in the term, a special election would be held within nine months.
Supporters with Aurora for Change tell the Chicago Tribune the measure would give voters another way to hold elected leaders accountable. The group describes the proposal as nonpartisan, though some supporters have called for Laesch’s removal. Former Mayor Richard Irvin has also backed the effort.
Opponents argue Aurora lacks the constitutional authority to establish the proposed system and that it could not legally operate as written.
Laesch opposes the measure, warning that repeated recall efforts could increase election costs, favor wealthy candidates and undermine election results.
