Carbondale Reporter

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) criticized House Democrats for rushing through an election and ballot omnibus bill, potentially leading to significant changes in elections and the 2024 ballot without proper transparency or public input. An amendment to SB 2412 was swiftly filed early Wednesday, containing various modifications, including referendum questions, alterations to the petition filing season, and a prohibition on political parties slating candidates for House and Senate.

Severin expressed his concerns, stating, "Illinois already has the highest taxes in the country, and the most corruption arrests and convictions in the country. With this legislation, we can add election interference and the direct denial of democracy to the citizens of Illinois to the list that defines the current Democrat party." He further criticized the lack of transparency in the process, alleging, “This legislation lacks all transparency and stinks of self-serving political corruption."

Regarding the referendum questions included in the bill to potentially influence Democratic turnout in the November election, Severin emphasized the need for legitimate legislation, asserting that the integrity of the election process has been jeopardized by partisan politics. Severin remarked, “The referendum questions being added to the ballot to drive up Democrat turnout in the November election should be addressed by legitimate legislation. Instead the integrity of our election has been harmed due to Democrats playing partisan politics.”

The rushed passage of the omnibus bill has raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the election process, with Severin highlighting potential risks to democracy in Illinois.

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