Chicago City Wire

Springfield, Ill. (June 5, 2024) – The Illinois Circuit Court in Sangamon County has granted a permanent injunction regarding Senate Bill 2412. This bill, signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker on May 3, had removed the option for political parties to slate candidates when primary nominations went unfilled, giving incumbent lawmakers in 78 legislative districts an advantage this election season.

The injunction blocked the law for potential candidates who were working to be slated for the November 5 election and had faced a rule change mid-cycle. As a result, voters can expect more choices on their ballots.

Research from the Illinois Policy Institute indicated that contested elections are linked to higher voter turnout and participation. Between 2012 and 2020, voter participation was on average seven percentage points lower in Illinois House districts with only one candidate on the ballot.

Matt Paprocki, president and CEO of the Illinois Policy Institute, commented: “Today’s ruling is good news for democracy, restoring competitive elections and providing voters choice at the ballot box."

He added: “Removing the slating process was ultimately about giving a political advantage to sitting lawmakers. That is not the aim of elections. Illinoisans should be concerned over one party’s willingness to erode healthy competition in favor of long-lasting political power."

Paprocki also noted: “It’s already more difficult to get on the ballot in Illinois than in most other states. We didn’t need additional hurdles or rules stifling choice – especially in the middle of an election cycle. Ultimately voters deserve more choices, not fewer.”