Referendum / Election Questions

How do I run for the BOE of the new district?

Petitions for candidate filing for the proposed Somonauk-Leland Community Unit School District are available for circulation through July 11th. Nomination Petition papers are to be filed July 5th through July 11th with the DeKalb County Regional Superintendent of Schools during office hours.

Packets of complete information, instructions and forms can be picked up at either school district office, regardless of whether the prospective candidate resides in Somonauk or Leland. Somonauk and Leland School Main Office summer hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00-2:00.

It is important to note that Nominating Petition papers are subject to legal challenge by objectors if improperly completed. Prospective candidates are encouraged to consult their own legal advisors on questions related to qualifications for office, preparation of petition papers, circulator requirements, signature requirements, etc., because once the petition papers are officially filed, they cannot be changed or amended. More information and suggested forms are available on the Illinois State Board of Elections website at www.elections.il.gov

When is the referendum date?

June 28, 2022

Why is the referendum in June and not in March or April?

The General Assembly changed the date of the 2022 primary election from March to June.

How and when will the new board be elected?

If the voters approve the referendum, a new school board will be elected during the November 2022 general elections. The members will be elected at-large which means that the top seven vote-getters, regardless of residence, will be seated on the new Board of Education.

What if the referendum passes in one district and fails in the other district?

The referendum must be approved by voters in both districts. If it fails in either district, the referendum fails.

If the referendum fails, when could the question appear again?

If the referendum fails, it cannot appear on the ballot for two years.

How do I register to vote?

Use this link to register to vote: https://ova.elections.il.gov/. This link is valid for both DeKalb and LaSalle Counties.

How do I vote by mail?

Use the link to download and complete a vote by mail application. It must be mailed to the appropriate county clerk.

DeKalb County: http://dekalb.il.clerkserve.com/?cat=21

LaSalle County: https://lasallecounty.org/lasalle-county-clerk-vote-by-mail-2/

What will the wording be on the ballot?

Shall a new combined unit school district be created in the territory comprising the entire territories of Somonauk Community Unit School District No. 432, counties of DeKalb and LaSalle, and Leland Community Unit School District No. 1, counties of DeKalb and LaSalle, the Board of Education of such new school district to be elected on an at-large basis at the next regularly scheduled election date and with the authority to levy taxes at the rate of 4.000% for educational purposes, 0.500% for operations and maintenance purposes, and 0.200% for transportation purposes, each upon all of the taxable property of the district at the full, fair cash value thereof, as equalized or assessed by the Department of Revenue?

How can I help to pass the referendum?

Vote!

Tell your friends and neighbors that you are voting “yes” and encourage them to do likewise.

Join our Community Relations subcommittee to help tell our community how Somonauk and Leland will be stronger together!

If I support the consolidation, how should I vote?

If you support consolidation, vote "yes."