Appeals Court Rules Lake County Board Candidate Disqualified Over Name Discrepancy

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An appeals court has ruled that Juan Beto Ruiz, who was challenging incumbent Esiah Campos in the Lake County Board District 16 race, is disqualified from the ballot after he failed to include his full name on his petitions. The court cited a violation of the Illinois Election Code, stating that Ruiz's nominating petitions did not include his full surname of 'Ruiz Reynoso'.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of following strict election rules and procedures, even for local races. The court ruled that Ruiz's failure to properly list his full name on the petitions 'taints the nominating process itself' and requires his removal from the ballot, despite an initial ruling in his favor by the Lake County Electoral Board.

The details

Ruiz was challenging incumbent Esiah Campos in the primary election for Lake County Board District 16, which covers Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Heights, Round Lake Park and part of Round Lake. Voters in the district challenged Ruiz's petitions, alleging he excluded his full surname of 'Ruiz Reynoso'. The Lake County Electoral Board initially ruled 2-1 to allow Ruiz to remain on the ballot, but the objectors successfully appealed the decision in court. The appeals court ultimately ruled that Ruiz must be disqualified from the ballot due to the name discrepancy.

• On March 4, Lake County Judge Luis Berrones ruled that Ruiz should be stricken from the ballot.
• On March 14, the Illinois Second District Appellate Court issued a ruling reversing the Electoral Board's judgment and affirming the trial court's decision to disqualify Ruiz.
• The primary election was held on March 17.

What’s next

It is possible that Ruiz could petition the Illinois Supreme Court to hear the case, but he has not publicly indicated whether he will do so.