| Abstract: | SUMMARY This article explains Illinois' restricted use of initiatives and referenda. Statewide initiatives are advisory only except for those amending the constitution; there is no process for creating statutes via initiatives. Advisory initiatives have been historically ignored by the legislature and therefore become less common over time. There are no statewide referenda in Illinois. Both binding and advisory referenda and initiatives are used by local governments enacting ordinances, and the former are often statutorily mandated. Because of Illinois' strong home rule system and the scattered nature of statutes addressing initiatives and referenda, research in this area can be difficult. An appendix of resources is included. |
