Political third parties in Illinois no longer will have to file a full slate of candidates in order to get some candidates on th eelection ballot, thanks to a recent court ruling.
The current state election code heavily favors Republicans and Democrats. One example is requiring third parties to run a full slate of candidates for county or state offices. This, they say, forces them to recruit individuals to fill several positions.
Illinois is the only state in the country to have such a rule. A federal court said this is unconstitutional.
Lex Green, chair for the Libertarian Party in Illinois, said 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,’" he said. "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. It could appeal the decision.