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* This was expected. Holding the special primary on the local primary day will mean less costs to governments. From a press release…
Governor Pat Quinn today set a special election to fill a vacancy in the 2nd Congressional District seat, which had been held by Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. from 1995 until his resignation last week. The governor’s writs of election (attached) set a special primary to be held on February 26, 2013 to coincide with existing local primary elections. To comply with current state law, the governor’s writs of election also set a general election date of March 19, 2013. However, Governor Quinn is working with the General Assembly to move the general election date to April 9, 2013, the same day as already-scheduled local general elections, which will require a change in statute.
Illinois law currently requires the special election be held within 115 days of the filing of the governor’s writs of election, preventing it from being on the same day as the existing local elections on April 9, 2013.
“This special election will be carried out in a manner that is fair to the electorate and as economical as possible for taxpayers,” Governor Quinn said. “By holding the special primary and general elections on the same days as existing contests, we can save significant taxpayer dollars and ensure the people of the 2nd District can make their voices heard.”
The governor will issue amended writs if the statute is changed to move the special general election to April 9, 2013.
The 2nd Congressional District is comprised of 263 precincts in suburban Cook County, 170 precincts in Chicago, 85 precincts in Kankakee County and 27 precincts in Will County. Approximately 420,000 registered voters reside in the district, of which more than half are in suburban Cook County.
Moving the special general would also be a very good idea.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 2:27 pm
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The District has been without representation since June, moving the general election back three weeks is a no brainer.
Comment by bourbonrich Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 2:41 pm
I’m getting cold just thinking about going door to door in February. Brrrr.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 2:43 pm
Rich, moving the Special General is what they’re talking about. The primaries will already coincide.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 2:44 pm
Anonymous, yes, I’m well aware.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 3:01 pm
How can he call for an election when the last one wasn’t certified? I just called to ask how many signatures were needed for the GOP ballot; nobody knew. They said we had to wait until the last election is certified. Next week. That means you can’t put petitions out until then
Comment by Votecounter Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 3:24 pm
@votecounter - you don’t need to wait to know how many signatures you need to start petitioning (you need to know how many to know when to stop petitioning).
Comment by titan Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 5:07 pm
Will the petition pages finished before the date of certification be challenge-able ?
Comment by Votecounter Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 5:49 pm
Isn’t there a Federal law governing when a Special Election for an open House seat must be held?
I don’t think Quinn has all the time in the world and I don’t know if the 2013 General Election falls within the timeframe allowed under Federal law.
Comment by G. Willickers Monday, Nov 26, 12 @ 11:46 pm
Stakes is High
Comment by LL Cool J Tuesday, Nov 27, 12 @ 8:47 am