Oak Park Township had to postpone its annual meeting last night as too many people came out to vote than the space could safely accommodate.
The meeting was set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday on the second floor of the Oak Park Public Library’s Dole Branch, but a line of more than 100 people stretched outside the library’s door, around the building and down Augusta Street. The township meeting drew a huge turnout, as meeting attendees would have the chance to vote on whether or not an advisory referendum concerning boycotts to Israel should be put on this November’s ballot in Oak Park.
The township canceled the meeting shortly after it was supposed to start. Township leaders have not announced an alternative date and location for the meeting.
“Due to the number of electors currently present, as well as additional individuals seeking admission, the Township is obligated to ensure that the meeting space can safely accommodate “at least the number of electors present at that time within the meeting hall and those outside the meeting hall desiring to be admitted,” Township Supervisor Evan Michel said in a statement. “The decision to recess and relocate reflects the Township’s commitment to public safety, accessibility, and compliance with state law. Township officials are actively working to identify and secure an appropriate alternative location that can safely accommodate all attendees.”
The question on this year’s meeting agenda is “do you support the right of individuals and organizations, including state contractors, to boycott, divest and sanction Israel?” The same question is on the agenda for several other townships around the state.
The petitions come as violence in the Middle East escalates and the Illinois legislature considers repealing a 2015 law banning state pension funds from being invested in companies that divest from or boycott Israel.