Want to Run Statewide as a Write-in?

Then Go File Notarized Papers with 108 Local Officials.

Want to Run Statewide as a Write-In? Then Go File Notarized Papers with 108 Local Officials.

Whaaaaat?

Yep. That’s right.

File with 108 local election authorities. For statewide office.

That’s the law in Illinois.

The Illinois State Board of Elections (ISBE) explains: “...(for example), a write-in candidate for President must file a (notarized) Declaration of Intent with every county clerk and board of election commissioners in the State.” (1)

And as the ISBE cheerily observes: “These are the county clerks in 101 counties, 1 county election commission and 6 municipal election commissions.” (2)

In effect, a write-in candidate for statewide office might as well climb Mount Everest. In bare feet.

This is but one example of how Illinois election laws have been manipulated to choke off voter choice.

Sources:

(1) file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/presidentialpreferenceanddelegatesguide2024_638551751193325756.pdf (at page 12)

(2) https://elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/ElectionAuthorities.aspx

Background:

“A write-in candidate must file a notarized ‘Declaration of Intent to be a Write-In Candidate’ no later than 61 days prior to the election. The declaration must be filed with the proper election authority or authorities in those jurisdictions in which the candidate is seeking to be a write-in candidate. Declaration of Intent forms are not to be filed with the State Board of Elections. (10 ILCS 5/7-59(b), 17-16.1, 18-9.1)”

Source: file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/2024canguide_638551777021331994.pdf

Emphasis is in the original.