Court Upholds Chicago Election Law Requiring Signatures to Run for Office

Reportedly makes it next to impossible for Republicans to make the ballot

A Illinois law that requires signature collection to get on the ballot, allegedly making it nearly impossible for Republican candidates to run in Chicago, is reasonable, the 7th Circuit ruled.

In 2011, Illinois changed its election laws regarding candidates appointed by party leaders to fill a vacancy, which could occur if a nominee dies or withdraws, or if no name appeared on the primary ballot.

If there had not been a previous candidate, the state now requires appointees to collect voter signatures for inclusion on the general election ballot. The candidate must collect 1,000 for nomination to the Illinois Senate, or 500 signatures for nomination to the Illinois House, within 75 days.