Highland Park Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Term Limits For Mayor, Council

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Highland Park voters approved term limits for the city’s mayor and councilmembers by a large margin in Tuesday's general election.

The referendum establishes a limit of two full four-year terms, with an allowance of up to two additional years for an appointed or elected individual. The limits are in place per office, instead of per individual, meaning that an official can serve the maximum term as a councilmember as well as up to the maximum as mayor.

The rules don't apply retroactively, but they will apply to the April 2027 election.

The Highland Park City Council unanimously voted to put the referendum on the ballot in June.

"This is a tremendous victory for Highland Park and for everyone who believes that good government benefits from new voices and fresh thinking," said Annette Lidawer, a Highland Park mayoral candidate speaking as a private citizen, instead of in her capacity as city council member. "Our residents have spoken clearly. They want a system that encourages participation, creates opportunities for new leadership, and ensures that public service is not a lifetime position."

With all precincts reporting as of Wednesday morning, 75 percent of Highland Park voters, or 9,766 people, voted to approve term limits. Only 25 percent of residents, or 3,298 people, voted no.

Of Lake County's 470,713 registered voters, 222,492 people cast their ballots on Tuesday, bringing this election's turnout to nearly 50 percent.