Byron Sigcho-Lopez Sues State Over ‘Excessive’ Election Laws For Independent Candidates

Byron Sigcho-Lopez, an independent candidate for the 4th Congressional District, sued the Illinois State Board of Elections after his name was removed from the November ballot for failing to meet petition signature requirements. The lawsuit claims the state's laws unconstitutionally restrict ballot access by imposing excessive signature demands on independent candidates compared to major party candidates. Mayra Macias, another independent candidate, was also removed from the ballot under the same rules.