Bellmont, Wabash Co., Ill. (ECWd) –
Voters in the Village of Bellmont, Illinois, have rejected a ballot referendum that proposed completely dissolving the village government and rendering the community unincorporated. The referendum, which appeared on the November 3, 2026, ballot following a period of mass official resignations, and public scandals, failed to secure the necessary votes for passage.
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The referendum stemmed from a long-running dispute between some local residents and village officials over management of the village, including public records and meeting issues. Public outrage peaked earlier this year when the village’s mayor hired a registered sex offender—shortly after his release from the Illinois Department of Corrections—to perform manual labor and maintenance work around the town. Following significant community outrage, the individual’s employment was terminated.
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Now, village officials and residents need to come to the table together to solve issues within the village, and most importantly, consider running for office in the Spring 2027 municipal election.
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*Cover photo provided by Jon King*
