Illinois Election Protocol: Addressing the Election of Deceased Candidates

Race in Central Illinois County may require rarely used election rules

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Illinois voters are preparing to cast their ballots, but a peculiar circumstance in a Central Illinois County has led to a closer look at election procedures, as rarely used rules may come into play.

In Morgan County, the late Circuit Clerk Julia Anderson remains on the ballot for re-election despite her passing last month. Per state regulations, Anderson's name will remain on the Morgan County Republican primary ballot.

Should she win, local party authorities will be required to designate a replacement for the November election. If such a situation occurs, the Republican Central Committee of the county has until August 22 to nominate a successor, according to Matt Dietrich, Illinois State Board of Elections.

If Jenny Bonjean, the opposing candidate in the Circuit Clerk race, wins however, the electoral process proceeds normally.

A similar situation took place in Christian County during this election cycle when Republican Coroner candidate Michael Assalley passed away in January, although Assalley's name will not be included on the March ballot.

Election officials have clarified that a spouse or an equivalent legal entity is permitted to request the name of the deceased candidate be removed from consideration before county officials certify the ballot.

The Illinois primary election is scheduled for March 19.