© 2024 St. Louis Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ill. Voters File Lawsuit Challenging Retirement Benefits Ballot Question

Voter turnout today was higher than predicted in some areas.
(via Flickr/aperte)
Voter turnout today was higher than predicted in some areas.

A group of voters is challenging the validity of a measure on this fall's ballot that would make it more difficult to improve retirement benefits for public employees.

In a statement Thursday, Republican state Senate candidate John Bambenek, of Champaign, said he and 10 other Illinois residents filed a lawsuit arguing the question is unconstitutional.

Bambenek says the form of the question and the amendment are "deceptive, inaccurate and incomprehensible."

If approved, the proposed constitutional amendment would require a three-fifths vote instead of a simple majority for any pension increase. Cutting benefits would still require just a simple majority.

The lawsuit against the Illinois State Board of Elections was filed in Champaign County Circuit Court.

A hearing date has not been set.

Follow St. Louis Public Radio on Twitter: @stlpublicradio