Illinois Democrats recently implemented a significant change in the process for candidates seeking a spot on the General Assembly ballot, drawing criticism from Republicans who claim the rules were altered midway through the election process.
The new law, signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker, eliminates the practice of local political parties selecting legislative candidates without going through primary elections. Previously, candidates not on the primary ballot could still run in November after receiving approval from party leaders and gathering the required number of valid petition signatures by the June 3 deadline set by the Illinois State Board of Elections.
