Chicago voters reject new millionaire tax and demand compensation from federal government

Chicago residents voted to pursue all lawful means to recover financial compensation from the federal government on November 4, 2026. This advisory measure specifically targeted costs and economic harm caused by the Donald Trump administration's militarized ICE operations. The ballot question cited the Midway Blitz operation led by Greg Bovino as a key factor in lost tax revenue and public safety response costs.

Voters in the City of Chicago also addressed two additional advisory referenda on the same election day. One question asked whether the city should restart gunshot detection technology that alerts first responders to nearby gunfire. The other proposed developing a permanent festival and outdoor event space for large-scale gatherings.

Residents within the Chicago Public Schools district weighed in on two separate funding mechanisms. One ballot item asked if Illinois should use revenue from a surcharge on millionaires to increase funding for public schools. A second question proposed requiring owners of long-term vacant or undeveloped commercial or investment properties to pay an additional annual charge to support the school system.

Voters in Cook County considered the Millionaire Amendment for Property Tax Relief and Education. This proposal would enact a 3% income tax surcharge only on millionaires. The amendment specified that 50% of this new revenue would provide property tax relief for residential and commercial taxpayers. The remaining 50% would improve state funding for public education.

These measures were designed to gauge public opinion rather than directly affect public policy. The information for this report came from election results delivered to The Associated Press and sample ballots from the 2026 election.