2 independent candidates in Illinois 4th Congressional District race off ballot

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Illinois State Board of Elections on Tuesday rejected a last minute appeals from independent candidates Byron Sigcho-Lopez and Mayra Macias, removing both from the fall ballot in the race to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia.

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The board unanimously ruled that neither candidate had enough valid petition signatures to qualify.

The decision, while expected, left both candidates sharply criticizing the process.

"I understand that the intent of the objection process is to ensure that candidates are viable, have community support, and they're not submitting false signatures. But the spirit of the law is being completely broken in this race," Macias said.

Sigcho-Lopez, who faced the same petition challenge, called the outcome discriminatory.

"This is a shame on our state disenfranchising Latina, Latino voters," he said.

The objections were filed in connection with Garcia's withdrawal from the race, which came late in the filing period.

Garcia's move drew criticism from some who viewed it as a backroom effort to clear the path for his chief of staff, Patty Garcia - no relation - to appear as the sole Democrat on the primary ballot.

Under state election law, Democratic candidates needed 697 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot, while independent candidates were required to submit 10,816.

"Today, in the fourth congressional district, democracy died at the hands of Patty and Chuy Garcia," Sigcho-Lopez said.

Garcia declined to comment on the board's decision. A surrogate for Patty Garcia defended the process and the outcome.

Sigcho Lopez's attorney, Andrew Finkle, said they are considering legal action.

"The federal court has much broader authority to evaluate the constitutionality of statutes to determine whether or not a statute is appropriate to meet the state's legitimate goals," Finkle said.

"My work isn't over just because we're not on the ballot. I'm going to continue fighting. We're still exploring our options," Macias said.

Both candidates said they want state election laws changed to expand ballot access.

An election attorney noted that current rules tend to protect incumbents, who would have no incentive to change it.

Lyons Mayor Chris Getty is also running as an independent candidate and his petitions were not challenged.