Amendment to put state road money in 'lock box' approved by voters

Illinois voters Tuesday night approved the "Safe Roads Amendment" that ensures billions of state dollars will be set aside for transportation projects, though opponents say it could cause financial strain in the future, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

In early returns, with about 86 percent of precincts reporting throughout the state, 79 percent voted to add Section 11 to Article IX of the Illinois Constitution.

To pass, the amendment had to be approved by 60 percent of the voters or by more than 50 percent of all ballots cast.

The "lockbox" amendment, anchored in an atypical truce between Gov. Bruce Rauner and House Speaker Michael Madigan, received a "no vote" recommendation from major Chicago newspapers, including the Sun-Times, and has been criticized for misleading voters into believing it's a measure mostly backed by everyday citizens.

• This report was produced in partnership with the Chicago Sun-Times. For more, check chicago.suntimes.com.