The Proposed Change
Elmhurst Reform proposes reducing the Elmhurst City Council from 14 alderpersons to seven, with one alderperson elected from each ward. This is an explanation of what would change, how the proposal could reach the ballot, and what the result of a binding referendum would mean.
Elmhurst currently has seven wards, with two alderpersons elected from each ward. The mayor is elected citywide. Under the proposed change:
- Each of Elmhurst’s seven wards would elect one alderperson.
- The City Council would be reduced from 14 alderpersons to seven.
- Every ward would continue to have an elected representative.
- The mayor would continue to be elected citywide.
- Elmhurst’s ward boundaries would not change because of the reduction.
The transition would occur in 2029. All existing aldermanic terms would expire. All seven seats of the smaller Council would be filled in the 2029 election. The mayoral election is independently scheduled for 2029 also.
Why Consider a Smaller Council
Elmhurst has approximately 46,000 residents represented by 14 alderpersons plus the mayor. Many nearby municipalities—including some with populations comparable to or larger than Elmhurst’s—operate with substantially smaller governing bodies.
Comparison With Nearby Communities
| Municipality | Approximate population | Elected governing body |
| Elmhurst | 46,000 | 14 alderpersons plus the mayor |
| Wheaton | 54,000 | six council members plus the mayor |
| Downers Grove | 50,000 | six commissioners plus the mayor |
| Lombard | 44,000 | six trustees plus the village president |
| Glen Ellyn | 29,000 | six trustees plus the village president |
These comparisons do not prove that one council size is right for every community. They do show that communities comparable to Elmhurst can be governed by substantially smaller elected bodies.
We believe Elmhurst voters should be able to decide whether a smaller Council would be easier to follow, create clearer responsibility, and encourage more meaningful deliberation—while preserving representation for every ward.
How the Question Reaches the Ballot
Illinois law allows Elmhurst voters to place this question on the ballot by petition.
The law requires signatures from registered Elmhurst voters equal to at least 10% of the votes cast in Elmhurst’s most recent mayoral election. Petition campaigns commonly seek more than the minimum because signatures may be challenged or found invalid.
After the petitions are filed with the City Clerk and the legal requirements are satisfied, the question is submitted to the voters at the election.
What a Binding Referendum Means
A binding referendum is not an advisory question. It has a direct legal effect.
If a majority votes Yes, Elmhurst will reduce the number of alderpersons from 14 to seven, with one alderperson representing each ward. The transition will occur as provided by Illinois law.
If a majority votes No, the current system of two alderpersons per ward will remain in place.
The governing statutes include 65 ILCS 5/5-2-3 and the public-question provisions of the Illinois Election Code.
Let the Voters Decide
Reasonable people may reach different conclusions about whether Elmhurst should have 14 alderpersons or seven. That is exactly why the question belongs on the ballot.
Elmhurst voters should have the chance to decide what size City Council will best serve the residents of Elmhurst.