I am writing to inform the public about a deeply troubling experience I had while attempting to file as a write-in candidate for River Forest township committeeman. This experience raises serious concerns about the integrity and transparency of our local electoral process.
I was initially informed that my Declaration of Intent to run as a write-in candidate needed to be filed by a specific statutory deadline. I was first directed to file the paperwork at River Forest Village Hall, where staff refused to accept it and instructed me instead to file with the township. I immediately complied and met in person with the township supervisor, who accepted my filing, provided me with a notarized receipt, and time-stamped it.
At that meeting, I was also told, incorrectly, that I was required to file a Statement of Economic Interest. I was not given the form and was directed to search for it online. County instructions clearly stated that such a filing is not required for write-in candidates for this type of seat. Relying on that official guidance, I reasonably believed I was in full compliance.
Later that same day, less than an hour before the County Clerk’s Office in downtown Chicago closed, I received a call from a sitting trustee informing me that my write-in declaration was invalid and had to be refiled in person at the County Building downtown before 5 p.m. This was the first time I was told of any such requirement. I was informed that the township supervisor had just left a voicemail claiming he did not have my contact information, despite having personally met with me earlier that day and answering my return call immediately.
The timing and contradictions speak for themselves.
This is not about sour grapes or electoral ambition. It is about a system that appears designed to confuse, misdirect, and discourage participation, particularly by challengers, through selective enforcement and last-minute procedural traps.
Democracy depends on fair access, clear rules, and good-faith administration. When those charged with overseeing elections fail that standard, the public deserves to know.
David Erfort
River Forest
