Chicago voters approve millionaire tax, fairgrounds, and gun detection

Chicago voters returned a decisive mandate on Tuesday for a series of non-binding ballot measures covering taxation, public events, and safety technology.

As of 9:40 p.m., more than 75 percent of the city’s 1,291 precincts had reported results. Each of the six major questions on the ballot received support from over 67 percent of voters.

The highest level of approval went to a measure seeking compensation from the federal government for the economic fallout of the 2025 Operation Midway Blitz. More than 84 percent of voters backed the request for the city to use all lawful means to recover costs. A University of Illinois Chicago report cited in the campaign materials estimated that immigrant business corridors lost over $1 billion in economic activity during the federal enforcement action.

Two separate questions regarding a millionaire tax also passed with nearly 80 percent approval. One measure, backed by the Cook County Board, proposed a 3 percent surcharge on income over $1 million. An April report from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute estimated this would affect roughly 41,000 people and generate $4.2 billion annually by 2030. The second question, sponsored by the Chicago school board, asked broadly if millionaires should face higher taxes to fund education.

Voters also approved the creation of a standalone festival grounds by a margin exceeding 67 percent. Ald. Nicole Lee introduced the resolution to create a permanent outdoor event space. Proponents cited the need to reduce the impact of large events on neighborhoods, referencing mud and standing water left in Douglass Park after rain during September’s Riot Fest. No specific location for the new grounds has been identified yet.

Support for resuming gunshot detection technology reached more than 72 percent. The Johnson administration terminated its contract with ShotSpotter in September 2024. The city issued a request for proposals in early 2025 and recently announced plans for a pilot program on the South and West sides, though a new contract has not yet been finalized.

The final measure, backed by the school board this summer, proposed a financial penalty on owners of vacant or undeveloped land. Over 73 percent of voters approved the charge, which is intended to generate additional revenue for the education fund.