SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced two new measures in the Senate to address equal ballot access for elections and provide public financing for judicial races.

“The people of Illinois deserve to have fair and equal elections,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “These measures aim to address concerns of clean campaigns and give every candidate, regardless of party, a fair shot of being on the ballot.”

The proposed legislation for equal ballot access, SB 2158, would include all candidates, regardless of party, on one ballot for a primary election and move to the two candidates with the most votes to the general election, allowing for independents, nonpartisan, and other smaller political parties to be included fairly. It would set the signature requirements to be the same for everyone as well as the filing date.

"Clearly, changes must be made," said Gini Lester, the co-chair of the Green Party of Will County. "An election process that allows for more working class people to be elected is a good start."

Ventura’s proposed Judicial Campaign Reform Act, SB 143 would establish a voluntary method of public financing for the campaigns of judges running for seats on the Illinois Supreme Court and Appellate Courts. Additionally, the bill would allow taxpayers to donate a portion of their tax refund to a new fund that will help support fair and transparent elections for Illinois judges.

“No one wants elected officials influenced by campaign donations, especially judges. Having publicly financed elections removes the concern about how money influences candidates,” Ventura stated.

SB 143 has been assigned to the Senate Executive committee and SB 2158 currently awaits Senate committee assignment.