Last week, in addition to testifying on the consequences of the federal SAVE Act, CHANGE Illinois Action Fund Policy Director Eli Brottman testified in support of three crucial pieces of legislation. Two proposals were designed to increase local government transparency and participation by requiring the public posting of candidacy requirements and vacancies for elected positions. The third bill we supported is aimed at strengthening our democracy and increasing voter participation.

HB 1433, if passed, would give public Illinois institutions of higher education the ability to provide academic credit for students serving as election judges. How this credit would be awarded would be at the discretion of the institutions. This will create opportunities for students to be able to participate as election judges without having to worry about losing credit for missed classes, while also earning additional credits for serving as an election judge.

This bill presents a simple opportunity to increase participation and get young people excited about politics and government. It will enable the next generation to help play a role in ensuring the fairness and integrity of our elections, helping to educate and restore trust in our government, as well as improve political participation over the long-term.

In 2023, a similar bill passed out of the Illinois House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support, but stalled in the Illinois Senate. We are hopeful that HB 1433 passes both the House and Senate this year!

HB 1153, if passed, would require local government units to post elected official vacancies on its website and require the county clerk, for where that unit is located, to post the vacancy on their website. Currently, no such information has to be posted. Oftentimes, vacancies are filled through a backroom process, with no transparency with the public.

Illinois politics has long had a reputation of being an “insiders’ game,” particularly with elected officials stepping down to ensure that their hand-picked successors are appointed. This erodes the public trust in our democratic process and sows doubt about whether or not our elected officials are putting their constituents’ interests over their own. Even when there are no nefarious motivations, the public is left skeptical of a process that is done behind closed-doors with limited to no public participation.

Passing HB 1153 is a good first step to address this, and we are excited to support it!

HB 2998, if passed, would provide much-needed transparency to the public on the requirements for running for local office. The bill would accomplish that goal by requiring local election authorities to post requirements and qualifications for running for local offices and petition filing deadlines on their websites.

The lack of transparency about how to run for office sows doubt about whether or not ordinary people, who want to make a positive difference in their local communities, can get elected to public office. Even when there are no nefarious motivations, the public is left skeptical of a process that is confusing and difficult to decipher without costly legal assistance. As a result, fewer people run for office, voters are left without a choice, and the outcomes are often decided before a single vote is cast on Election Day. 

HB 2998 will help level the playing field, so people know exactly what will be required when they look into running for office. We hope it passes!

We will be back in Springfield next week, testifying in support of more legislation. Stay tuned for further updates!