SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura is leading a comprehensive package of election reform legislation aimed at strengthening fairness and accountability in Illinois elections. The measures address equal ballot access, judicial campaign financing, and accountability for candidates who violate campaign finance laws.

“The people of Illinois deserve elections that are fair, transparent and accessible,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislative package is about restoring trust in our democratic process, ensuring every candidate plays by the same rules, and preventing money from undermining confidence in our elections.”

Senate Bill 2158 would establish equal ballot access by placing all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, on a single primary ballot and advancing the top two vote-getters to the general election. The proposal would also standardize signature requirements and filing deadlines so that independents, nonpartisan candidates, and smaller political parties are treated fairly and consistently across the state.

Ventura also introduced Senate Bill 143 to create a voluntary system of public financing for judicial races, helping insulate judges from the influence of large campaign donors. The proposal would allow taxpayers to voluntarily contribute a portion of their tax refund to support publicly financed judicial campaigns for the Illinois Supreme Court and Appellate Courts.

“No one wants elected officials influenced by campaign donations, especially judges,” said Ventura. “Public financing helps ensure that judicial decisions are based on the law--not campaign contributions.”

Finally, Ventura is leading Senate Bill 2764 to strengthen accountability for campaign finance violations by barring candidates from appearing on the ballot if they have unpaid civil penalties related to election transparency laws. Candidates who forfeit their ballot access under this provision would also be prohibited from being appointed to the resulting vacancy.

“Unclear laws around unpaid State Board of Election fines and ballot forfeiture undermine voter confidence and create unnecessary disputes. Cleaning up this legislation would protect the integrity of the ballot and give election officials the clarity they need to do their job,” said Will County Clerk Annette Parker. “I appreciate the efforts of Senator Ventura to clean up the statute so there is a clear, enforceable standard that applies equally to every candidate and every county.”

SB 2158, SB 143, and SB 2764 are currently awaiting Senate committee assignment.