Chicago only major U.S. city without term limits; Illinois one of 11 states without term limits
Term limits are a foreign concept to most Illinoisans. There are no term limit provisions governing our state legislature or constitutional officers. At least 39 other states have some form of term limits that apply to either state legislators or constitutional officers. Only a few municipalities in Illinois, such as Downers Grove, have any formal term-limits policy. But...
Term limits are a foreign concept to most Illinoisans. There are no term limit provisions governing our state legislature or constitutional officers. At least 39 other states have some form of term limits that apply to either state legislators or constitutional officers.
Only a few municipalities in Illinois, such as Downers Grove, have any formal term-limits policy.
But with a new term-limits proposal being championed by gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner, term limits are a topic that will be discussed at great length in Illinois between now and the November 2014 election, when the question will likely appear on the ballot.
Polls show overwhelming support for term limits from Illinoisans. A 2012 poll by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute found that 78 percent of registered Illinois voters favor term limits.
Of the 10 biggest cities in the U.S, all but Chicago have some form of term limits.
For Illinoisans fed up with Illinois’ long history of political dynasties and political corruption, term limits is a concrete solution to address both.
City Name | Term Limits | Limit |
Chicago | No | None |
Dallas | Yes | Mayor: Maximum of two four-year terms. City Council: Maximum of four two-year terms |
Houston | Yes | Maximum of three two-year terms |
Los Angeles | Yes | Mayor: Two four-year terms City Council: Three four-year terms |
New York City | Yes | Maximum two four-year terms per position |
Philadelphia | Yes (Mayor only) | Maximum two consecutive four-year terms |
Phoenix | Yes | Mayor: Maximum two four-year terms City Council: Maximum three four-year terms |
San Antonio | Yes | Maximum of four two-year terms |
San Diego | Yes | Maximum of two four-year terms per position |
San Jose | Yes | Maximum two four-year terms per position |
Full details of the Illinois term limits proposal by the group Committee for Legislative Reform and Term Limits can be found here.