Candidate Filing Could Cost Local Governments

Illinois election law could make some government workers and taxpayers feel like Scrooge on Christmas Eve.

The (Arlington Heights) Daily Herald reports that Dec. 24 is the last day candidates may file nominating petitions for the April 9 municipal elections. So a bureaucrat has to be at the office to receive them.

Lawmakers could extend the filing period so libraries, schools and park districts don’t have to pay overtime costs. Christmas Eve is not a state holiday, but many local governments treat it that way. 

A spokesman says House Speaker Michael Madigan will address the matter in a “common-sense” way.

Candidate filing periods begin 113 days before a municipal election and run eight days to Christmas Eve in this case.