Slated candidates can appear on November ballot following Illinois Supreme Court ruling

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Supreme Court dealt a tough blow to Democratic leaders Friday by finding a controversial new law unconstitutional. Only three months have passed since Democrats filed, passed and signed a plan into law within 30 hours to give themselves an advantage for the November election.

Lawmakers frequently pass bipartisan election reform plans. However, this law banned political organizations from appointing candidates to run against incumbent lawmakers after primaries.

"Democrats want to disenfranchise voters so that we can continue to not have competitive elections through the state of Illinois," said Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria). "It is absolutely ridiculous."

Republicans were shocked to see Democrats rush an elections omnibus bill out of both chambers under such a tight timeline.

"Currently, a party can slate an individual 75 days after the primary even if that individual did not file petitions for the primary election or did not conduct a write-in campaign," said Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea).

Following the Illinois Supreme Court ruling, any candidate that filed the required amount of petitions by June 3 will appear on the November ballot. GOP leaders argue the prohibition on slating candidates would have allowed multiple House Democrats to easily win re-election this fall.

"We are better than this," said Senate GOP Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove). "On our side of the aisle, we are going to stay better than this. This is patently unfair and undemocratic."

House GOP Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) said her caucus could win seats and bring balance to state government without changing the rules.

Every Republican voted present on the legislation out of protest. Although, Democrats stressed the measure could help both parties for the 2024 election and beyond.

"I, for one, would like to put an end to a practice that was abused by prior practitioners and move forward in the spirit of democracy," said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park).

Three Senate Democrats and four House Democrats voted against the plan.

The Pritzker administration declined to comment on the Illinois Supreme Court ruling Monday.

"If they want to do a referendum, how about we do a referendum and let the voters decide if they want to deny Illinois citizens ballot access," said Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Effingham). "That's what they're trying to do here. Let's see how that goes with the voters."