Chicago Candidates File Opening Brief in Case Challenging Chicago Citywide Ballot Access Requirements

On October 9, the plaintiffs in Stone v Board of Election Commissioners filed this opening brief in the 7th circuit. The case is a challenge to the petition requirements for citywide candidates in Chicago. The law requires 12,500 valid signatures, to be collected in 90 days during late autumn and winter. No one can sign for more than one candidate.

The brief explains the reality of petitioning in Chicago citywide offices. The powerful Democratic Party machine has its favorite candidates, even though Chicago city elections are non-partisan. The party organization collects hundreds of thousands of signatures for its chosen candidates, shrinking the poll of voters who still haven’t signed for anyone. The brief also argues that 12,500 signatures are not needed, given that candidates for statewide office in a major party primary in Illinois only need 5,000 signatures.

The case is Stone v Board of Election Commissioners, 13-2733.


Comments

Chicago Candidates File Opening Brief in Case Challenging Chicago Citywide Ballot Access Requirements — No Comments

  1. How many Prez votes in Chicago in Nov 2012 ??? — including the well known Chicago graveyard votes.

    i.e. 12,500 is what percent of such Prez total ???

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