Aurora recall referendum effort submits nearly 9,000 signatures

(The Center Square) – An Aurora grassroots group seeking to give city voters the ability to recall the mayor and alderpersons at large has submitted nearly 9,000 petition signatures in an effort to place two referendum questions on the November ballot.

Aurora for Change submitted the petitions ahead of the Aug. 3 deadline for local referendum filings, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections.

The proposed referendum would establish a process allowing Aurora voters to initiate a recall of a sitting mayor or alderperson at large if they believe an elected official has failed to meet the standards expected by voters.

Danny Souri, director of operations for Aurora for Change, said the effort is not centered on removing one particular elected official but on changing how residents can hold city officials accountable.

“It’s the whole general, like political system as it is,” Souri said. “We talk about checks and balances, and we talk about governm...