© 2024 NPR Illinois
The Capital's Community & News Service
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Third Parties Win Battle for Ballot Access

Political third parties in Illinois recently won a victory in court which would make it easier to get on the ballot. 

The current election code in Illinois heavily favors Republicans and Democrats.  For example, it requires third parties to run a full slate of candidates for county or state offices, forcing them to recruit individuals to fill several positions. Illinois is the only state in the country to have this rule and now a federal court has now ruled it’s unconstitutional.   

Lex Green, chair for the Libertarian party in Illinois says he does agree with some restrictions to help respect the political process. “The problem is finding that cut off point where we say ‘this party is serious and this other party is frivolous.’ When you put that decision in the hands of politically appointed boards or elected officials, it tends to be power wielded to limit ballot access.”

The state had argued the rule was legitimate and prevented “sham parties” from getting on a ballot. The state could appeal the decision. 

Jaclyn has an MA in Journalism from DePaul University and a BS in History form Monmouth College. Prior to reporting, Jaclyn was a social science teacher and department chair at Greenfield High School. Previously, Jaclyn reported for WICS Newschannel 20 where she covered a variety of assignments including courts, politics, and breaking news. She also reported at Siouxland News in Sioux City Iowa, the shared CBS/Fox television newsroom. Her internships included WGN and Comcast SportsNet in Chicago.