On September 18, the 7th circuit ruled 3-0 that Illinois petition requirements for independent candidates for the legislature are too severe, and are unconstitutional. They required a petition signed by 10% of the last vote cast, due in December of the year before the election. Lee v Illinois State Bd. of Elections. The decision is 17 pages long.
YEAH!!!! And a HUGE thank you Richard for making this happen. Does this mean Illinois has to pay legal fees?
That is great news. Thank you to Richard Winger and the other activists involved.
I have been serving as campaign manager for a Green Party candidate for the Illinois State Legislature, Kathy Cummings. We met what we felt were unreasonably high requirements but were still struck from the ballot. At present we are not being allowed to present evidence in the form of proof of voter registrations and signature affidavits. No reason is being given.
They simply don’t want to allow our candidate on the ballot. We’re appealing, but are nearly out of money.