Highland Park voters emphatically support City Hall term limits

Voters delivered a resounding mandate on term limits in Highland Park on Tuesday, with 74% voting in favor of the binding referendum, according to unofficial results from the Lake County Clerk’s Office.

With all precincts reporting, the measure received 11,476 votes, signaling strong support for placing limits on the mayor’s and councilmembers’ future time in office.

“I’m thrilled. I think this is a wonderful wave of energy and excitement by Highland Park voters and the community that came out 74% in favor of term limits,” said Councilmember Annette Lidawer, was in support of term limits. “The community has spoken loud and strong. It was a large turnout, wonderful vote and stupendous win. It really shows consensus and a desire to change and grow. I am very excited about this trend.”

Results show that, moving forward, City Hall elected officials will be limited to two, cumulative four-year terms or maximum of 10 years (two full terms plus two years) if a two-term official is appointed to a vacated seat, The Record previously reported.

The vote and new term limits will not affect the current mayor and council.

Lidawer plans to run for mayor in the April 2027 election. She hopes that Tuesday’s results “invigorate more people to run for office,” she said, and she is looking forward to fresh voices, new ideas and more people joining the process.

Establishing term limits will allow more people to feel like they have “a chance aft a level playing field” and “an opportunity to run when there may not be an incumbent running,” Lidawer said.

Mayor Nancy Rotering, who has been in office since 2011 and opposed term limits, said the community ought to be heard, regardless of her stance on the issue.

“While I spoke out against term limits because I believe voters should have the freedom to choose their representatives, I value the input of Highland Park voters,” Rotering said in an email responding to the results. “Our community has expressed its preference, and that decision deserves respect.”

Moving forward as Mayor, Rotering plans to remain focused on the priorities that matter to residents, she said.

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