By Sam Thomas
Another blow was dealt to an independent congressional candidate seeking a spot on the November ballot for Illinois’ 13th House District race.
On Friday the U.S Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit granted a stay to a U.S District Judge’s preliminary injunction which kept the Illinois State Board of Elections from removing independent congressional candidate Dr. David Gill from appearing the upcoming November ballot.
Gill collected 11,300 petition signatures this past spring, but objections were made that lowered his official total to 8,593 valid signatures.
That total falls short of the 10,754 signatures required by Illinois law to run as an independent.
Gill filed a federal lawsuit seeking to have the signature requirement deemed unconstitutional, and won a preliminary injunction in August.
Republican and Democratic candidates are required to collect just 740 signatures to obtain ballot access.
Gill says the system’s rigged.
“I’ve pointed out repeatedly that our political system is rigged, and I’m not surprised by today’s decision,” he said in a release.
“This battle is not over; my attorneys and I are exploring numerous avenues of appeal, and will take the legal steps necessary to overturn the stay so my name remains on the ballot, so voters of the 13th Congressional District have a real choice this November. “
If the decision stands, it will likely prevent Gill from gaining ballot access this November.
Sam Thomas can be reached at [email protected].
