Election Results 2016: Orland Township Climate Change Referendum

ORLAND TOWNSHIP, IL — Voters on Nov. 8 will decide what kind of role they favor their elected officials playing in measures regarding climate change.

Registered voters will consider a referendum that will appear as follows:

Shall our Representatives and Senators in the U.S. Congress sponsor and/or support measures that will: Acknowledge the serious threat posed by climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a clear, transparent, and effective way.

As of 9:11 p.m., with 61 of 75 precincts reporting:

• 26,924 — YES
• 9,682 — NO

Township Supervisor Paul O'Grady said the ballot item was suggested by a citizens group at a township meeting. It is an advisory referendum, meaning it's a non-binding ballot based question posed to voters, the result of which is used by officials to gauge a more decisive interpretation of public opinion.

"There is no reason not to support this. It's a critical issue for all of us," he said, as reported by the Tribune. "We want to let (Congress) know we take this seriously."