New law’s a mistake that wrongly limits voters’ election choices
On May 3, with dubious urgency and in the absence of public hearings, Senate Bill 2412 was signed into law, amending the Illinois Election Code. This new law, which was approved in both houses of the Illinois Legislature in only two days, prevents either of the major political parties from nominating a candidate to run in the general election unless that candidate first runs in the primary.
Proponents argue the practice of party nomination denies voters the opportunity to select candidates during the primary. Opponents argue that restricting a party’s ability to nominate candidates for the ballot in the general election effectively creates a single-party race that limits voter choice.
The League of Women Voters encourages practices that provide the broadest voter representation possible, are expressive of voter choices and encourage those with minority opinions to participate, and we support systems that inhibit political manipulation. While the current system may be flawed, if the Legislature was concerned about promoting voter choice, SB2412 was not the solution.
This legislation limits voter choices in the general election and does so in the middle of an election cycle. Such action is inconsistent with democratic principles and will almost certainly result in litigation during and after the election. It will also likely fuel lingering claims of stolen elections that will resonate for years to come and reduce voters’ faith in an already highly politicized and partisan environment.
It is hard to imagine how passage of this bill serves the interests of the citizens of Illinois. We encourage you to let your representatives and the governor know that while voters welcome meaningful election reform, we expect reforms that are debated in public hearings where the voter’s voices can be heard.
Sue Whitworth, President
League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area
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