Wednesday: Ford, Congressman Davis to Push Plan Empowering Previous Felony Convicted Individuals to Run for Local Office

CHICAGO – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, and U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis are calling for Illinois to allow certain formerly incarcerated individuals who served their time the opportunity to run for local office, bringing consistency to existing practice which enables such individuals to pursue state and federal office.

Ford will discuss this proposal with advocates at a press conference scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 11:30 a.m. in the 3rd floor press room at the state’s 555 W. Monroe St. building in Chicago.

“Under Illinois’ inconsistent framework of laws, many formerly incarcerated individuals who served their time and rehabilitated themselves can run for state office or federal office, but cannot serve locally,” Ford said. “Our laws currently are not consistent, why do we have one set of standards for those running for state office and another for those running locally? Let’s make our system fairer, give voters more choices and enable people who want to utilize their life experiences to make a positive impact in their home community a real chance.”

Illinois currently prohibits those with a felony conviction from running for certain local roles – such as mayor or trustee – unless they receive a pardon or the governor restores their rights. Such barriers generally do not affect those running for a state level position, and federal office candidates do not face felony-related restrictions.

Ford wants to clear up this inconsistency and further correct state rules that bar people based on the office they seek instead of the crime they committed. His plan would not change existing rules governing individuals convicted of a felony while holding office, regardless if they are a local or state official. These individuals would continue to be barred permanently from office.

“This change would be especially impactful for marginalized communities that have been disproportionately impacted by incarceration,” Ford said. “Let’s begin to take the necessary steps forward to create a better, more equal election system here in Illinois.”

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.

Who: State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis, advocates
What: Calling for state constitutional amendment to enable those with felony convictions the opportunity to run
for office for all locally elected positions
When: Wednesday, Nov. 6; 11:30 a.m.
Where: 555 W. Monroe St., Chicago; 3rd floor press room