* Background is here if you need it. Rebecca Anzel at Capitol News Illinois…
Illinois’ chief election authority told a federal appeals court Monday it wants to continue its appeal of looser election rules for third-party candidates.
If an appeals court agrees, the matter is unlikely to be settled before the July 20 petition filing deadline granted by Rebecca Pallmeyer, chief judge of the Northern District of Illinois. She extended the cutoff established by statute in response to a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s election rules during COVID-19.
While the appeals court’s decision is unlikely to affect ballot access for third parties in the current general election cycle, its decision could have implications on future elections as the state continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.
In its court filing, the Illinois State Board of Elections acknowledged that date is “quickly approaching,” but points out “it has not passed.” The issue presented in the case — “a District Court’s authority to rewrite Illinois’ statutory requirements that govern how the board conducts an orderly election during the COVID-19 global pandemic” — is one that might resurface.
- Shemp - Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 12:02 pm:
Anything to upset or break the two-party lock we’re all subjected to is good with me. Should be easier every year, not just this year.
- Chicagonk - Wednesday, Jul 8, 20 @ 1:58 pm:
@Shemp - Exactly. The cynical side of me says signature requirements are there to create campaign jobs for well-funded candidates. $1 a signature I think is the going rate.