Illinois Representative Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago) has introduced HB 1269, which substantially lowers the number of signatures needed for independent candidates. However, it makes the petition deadline earlier, and requires a shorter petitioning period.

Currently independent candidates for statewide office need 25,000 valid signatures, due in late June. The petition must be completed in the 90 days prior to the deadline. Independent candidates for district office need a petition of 5% of the last vote cast.

HB 1269 lowers the statewide petition to 5,000 signatures; the U.S. House petition to the same number of signatures needed for primary candidates (one-half of 1% of that party’s last general election vote, which is always less than 2,000); the State Senate petition to 1,000 signatures; the State House petition to 500 signatures. Unfortunately, it moves the deadline to 75 days after the March primary. If this bill had been in effect in 2012, the deadline would have been June 3 instead of June 25. Also the bill says petitions can’t start to circulate until 75 days before the deadline.

The bill does not change the petition requirements for the nominees of unqualified parties. Thanks to Dan Johnson for this news.