July 06, 2025
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Illinois’ collective bargaining amendment support drops below 60%, but could still pass

By Jake Griffin Daily Herald Media Group
Election 2024
FILE - Pro-union protesters march around the Wisconsin state Capitol in Madison, Wis., March 26, 2011. With U.S. union ranks swelling as everyone from coffee shop baristas to warehouse workers seeks to organize, Illinois voters will decide in November 2022 whether to amend their state constitution to guarantee the right to bargain collectively. (AP Photo/Andy Manis, File)

FILE - Pro-union protesters march around the Wisconsin state Capitol in Madison, Wis., March 26, 2011. With U.S. union ranks swelling as everyone from coffee shop baristas to warehouse workers seeks to organize, Illinois voters will decide in November 2022 whether to amend their state constitution to guarantee the right to bargain collectively. (AP Photo/Andy Manis, File) (Andy Manis/AP)

A ballot measure intended to codify Illinois workers’ right to unionize appears headed toward victory.

Unofficial results show enough voters supporting the proposal to amend the state’s constitution to codify collective bargaining rights, with 59.6% so far in favor with 55% of the vote counted.

Amending the state’s constitution isn’t an easy task. Constitutional amendments have two paths to passage in Illinois. If the measure receives 60% of the vote from those voting on the question, it passes. But if it fails to reach the 60% threshold on the question but still musters “yes” votes from more than half of those voting in the election, it would still pass.

The complicated formula could keep the final results from being immediately determined.

This was the first time such language had been attempted to be added to the Illinois constitution.

Dubbed the “workers’ rights amendment” because it also would prevent any future law that “interferes with, negates, or diminishes the right of employees to organize and bargain collectively,” detractors saw the question as an overt attempt to draw union workers, largely seen as Democratic Party loyalists, to the ballot boxes.

Supporters say it will protect workers, ensure fair wages and benefits, and prevent state government from eroding union rights. Critics warn that the measure would give more power to public sector unions and result in higher property taxes.

https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20221108/amendment-support-drops-below-60-but-could-still-pass