In a case filed in the Appellate Court of Illinois, First Judicial District (case ID: 1-24-0256), Kelly King has lodged an appeal against the Illinois State Board of Elections and several individuals associated with it. The lawsuit, dated March 12, 2024, revolves around King's objection to Montelle L. Gaji's nomination papers for the position of U.S. Representative for the First Congressional District of Illinois.
King contended that Gaji failed to state her affiliation with the Republican Party and her status as a qualified primary voter of that party in her nomination papers. Moreover, she did not request her name to be printed on the official Republican Party primary ballot. These objections were overruled by the Board and subsequently affirmed by Judge James R. Carroll.
Gaji had filed her nomination papers on December 4, 2023, using standard forms issued by the Board. Despite being intended for nonpartisan candidates, Gaji filled out a "NONPARTISAN" statement of candidacy and submitted 95 signature sheets containing signatures and addresses of registered voters in the district.
The plaintiff seeks affirmation from the court that Gaji's statement of candidacy did not comply with statutory requirements due to these omissions. However, both the Board and circuit court have upheld Gaji's candidacy thus far.