Lake County Gazette

Democrats in Illinois recently passed legislation that modifies the state's election law, a move that has been criticized by Republicans as being politically self-serving. The amendment to SB 2412 was expedited through the House and Senate within 24 hours, sparking protests from House Republican lawmakers who voted "present" on the bill in opposition.

House Republican Leader Tony McCombie and the Republican caucus held a press conference following the vote to express their disapproval of what they see as political gamesmanship by House Democrats. "Serious legislators should want to give time for the public to understand the impact on our state," said Leader McCombie. "We don’t understand the sense of urgency right now, unless the end goal is to stifle the democratic process through the changes on slating candidates."

The bill, which some have labeled as the “Katie Stuart Protection Act,” terminates a longstanding practice that allows local party organizations to appoint candidates for uncontested legislative races in general elections. This procedure also mandates a candidate to gather and file signed petitions from registered voters within their respective district.

Rep. Stuart, a Metro East Democrat, had no competition after the March primary until local Republicans nominated a candidate and filed necessary petition signatures with the Illinois State Board of Elections just hours before SB 2412's final passage.

Governor JB Pritzker signed this measure into law shortly after it received Senate concurrence with House amendments, despite stating only hours earlier that he had not seen all details of it.

Deputy Republican Leader Ryan Spain criticized Democrats' actions as politically motivated gamesmanship. He said, "They are disenfranchising voters and suppressing competition: what this bill intended. In short, this initiative prevents choice and competition in our elections. The rules shouldn’t be changing in the middle of an election cycle."

State Rep. Blaine Wilhour also expressed his concerns about limiting voter choices and accused Democrats of subverting democracy. He added that the state is burdening its citizens with high property taxes, as Illinoisans pay the second highest property taxes in the nation. Wilhour mentioned that several bills could lower these taxes, but claimed Democrats are unwilling to negotiate.