Village of Berkeley — Issue Bonds (Cook County)

Ballot measure · November 3, 2026 · Berkeley voters

What it does
This is an advisory and non-binding referendum question. Should the Village of Berkeley, Cook County, Illinois issue bonds on behalf of the Berkeley Public Library in the amount of $4,000,000 to renovate, repair and equip the library building located at 1637 N. Taft Avenue?
A YES vote means
In this advisory, non-binding vote, supports Berkeley issuing $4,000,000 in bonds for the Berkeley Public Library to renovate, repair and equip the library building at 1637 N. Taft Avenue.
A NO vote means
In this advisory, non-binding vote, does not support Berkeley issuing these $4,000,000 in library bonds.
Needed to pass
A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.
Left–right lean
Not a left–right issue: a procedural or local question that liberals and conservatives don't typically split on (AI read of the official ballot summary).

The YES and NO lines are SpectrumVote's plain-language reading of the official text above; the official text is what you vote on.

Official text: source

Background

The Berkeley Public Library board of trustees voted at its July 22, 2026 regular meeting to adopt language for this advisory question on the November 3 ballot, according to the library.

The library says a 2020 condition assessment of its then 50-year-old building led to a phased improvement plan with Williams Architects, with a first phase of construction completed in October 2022 and a fire alarm replacement completed in February 2026.

Separately, the library says it is upgrading sanitary and electrical service, systems it describes as 54 years old and undersized, with work primarily funded by a State of Illinois appropriation, and has received a state construction grant to renovate its 1986 elevator.

The question is advisory and non-binding, according to the ballot language.

Put on the ballot by Berkeley Public Library Board of Trustees, July 22, 2026 (advisory question; vote count not stated).

From official source.

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Quick answers

What does a YES vote on Village of Berkeley mean?
In this advisory, non-binding vote, supports Berkeley issuing $4,000,000 in bonds for the Berkeley Public Library to renovate, repair and equip the library building at 1637 N. Taft Avenue.
What does a NO vote on Village of Berkeley mean?
In this advisory, non-binding vote, does not support Berkeley issuing these $4,000,000 in library bonds.
How many votes does Village of Berkeley need to pass?
A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.
Should I vote yes or no on Village of Berkeley?
SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.
When is the vote?
The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Early voting and mail-ballot deadlines vary by state; check your state or county election office.

Not sure how to decide? Read our nonpartisan guide to the Cook County ballot.

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