Illinois election officials vote on 2 ballot items

CHICAGO (AP) — A measure calling for lawmaker term limits is all but ready for the November ballot, elections officials decided Tuesday as they also reluctantly agreed to give backers of an initiative changing how Illinois draws political boundaries more time to validate signatures.

Both could appear on one of Illinois’ heftiest ballots in state history with up to seven possible initiatives before voters — four constitutional amendments and three poll-style questions — along with one of the most competitive governor’s races nationwide. However, the fate of the map and term limits measures face other hurdles, with a lawsuit expected to unfold this week and allegations that the process has been laden with politics.