Chicago Reader Criticizes Chicago Ballot Access Requirements

The Chicago Reader, the largest free weekly newspaper in Chicago, has commentary that criticizes the Illinois election law that requires candidates for Chicago citywide office to obtain 12,500 valid signatures. The Mayoral election is in February 2015, which means the signatures must be collected at the time of bad weather. The author speculates that incumbent Mayor Rahm Emanuel may be the only name on the ballot.

Chicago holds nonpartisan elections for all city office.


Comments

Chicago Reader Criticizes Chicago Ballot Access Requirements — 6 Comments

  1. Has Chicago ever been known for anything other than protecting the “machine” (incumbents)? This was a very good article and understandable to any ordinary citizen.

  2. NYC needs 3,750 sigs during the summer. 20 candidtates ran in 2013. In 2010, Proposition 2 passed 80%-20%, and lowered it from 7,500. Of course, I voted YES. In economics, it is called a barrier to entry.

  3. @Michael: I’d say that in Chicago, only a D after your name will get you anywhere in politics. The Republicans are not a major factor in the city.

  4. How many Republicans serve on the Chicago City Council, or whatever they call the entity for a city council?

  5. In Chicago city elections there is no R or D after a candidates name. The election is nonpartisan.

    As the article clearly states:

    “Chicago holds nonpartisan elections for all city office.”

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