Julie MacCarthy, who was supposed to be a candidate for the Park District of Oak Park board of commissioners in the upcoming elections, announced her decision to withdraw from the race Wednesday night. But since the deadline for withdrawing has passed, MacCarthy’s name will remain on the ballot come election day.
“After careful consideration I have come to the conclusion that given my current commitments, I could not devote an adequate amount of time to fulfill the responsibilities of a commissioner,” wrote MacCarthy, in an email to Gary Balling, executive director of the park district. “Consequently, I filed a Withdrawal of Candidacy with the Cook County Election Department.”
But a representative at the county clerk’s office said MacCarthy was too late in her withdrawal, which was due by Jan. 27. “Our office usually extends that a little bit depending on where we’re at with proofing the ballot,” said Courtney Greve, spokeswoman for the Cook County Clerk Office.
But Greve said the office stopped accepting withdrawals more than a week ago, and many ballots have already been printed. “She will be on the ballot,” Greve said of MacCarthy.
Greve said MacCarthy was notified of this fact via telephone after submitting her withdrawal.
She also said that if MacCarthy is elected to the park district board in the April 5 elections, the election will stand. It would then be the candidate’s responsibility to resign.
Contacted about her decision to withdraw, MacCarthy declined to comment.
