🛑 SB 2158: The Illinois Election Bill That Silences Your Vote Before November

Published by AIM4WILL (Accountability • Involvement • Modernization)

A new bill is moving through the Illinois legislature — and most people have never heard of it. But if it passes, it could change the way we vote in every local, county, and state race — stripping away voter choice and giving more control to insiders and well-funded candidates.

It’s called Senate Bill 2158, and it’s being sold as “election reform.” But what it really does is limit your voice, block independent and grassroots candidates, and allow one party to dominate the ballot in November — even in competitive districts.

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⚙️ What SB 2158 Actually Does

SB 2158 would replace Illinois’s current party primary system with a "top-two open primary" system:

• All candidates, regardless of party, run in one big primary.

• Only the top two vote-getters move on to the general election — no matter which party they’re from.

Sounds simple. But here’s what that really means:

• You could end up with two Democrats or two Republicans on your November ballot.

• Other candidates — even if they had strong support — are eliminated early.

• Smaller parties, independents, and everyday people trying to run for office? They’re shut out.

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🧾 Real Examples That Could Happen in Will County

🗳️ Will County Treasurer Race

Let’s say there are 2 Democrats and 2 Republicans running for Treasurer. In the current system, voters would choose between one Democrat and one Republican in November.

But under SB 2158?

If the two Democrats get the most votes in the primary — the general election becomes Democrat vs. Democrat. Republicans never make it to November, even if they had thousands of votes.

So if you're a Republican or just want a different perspective on the ballot — too bad. You don’t get a choice.

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🗳️ Will County Board Race

Imagine a race where you get to vote for two County Board members, and there are 7 candidates total: 4 Democrats and 3 Republicans.

Right now, the top two candidates from each party move forward, and voters can choose any two in the general. Fair, right?

But under SB 2158:

• All 7 run in one primary.

• Let’s say the 4 Democrats get the most votes.

• Only the top 2 Democrats advance to November.

That means no Republicans on the general ballot. No balance. No competition. Just one party — and the rest of the community silenced.

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🕵️ Who’s Behind SB 2158?

SB 2158 was introduced by:

• Senator Laura Murphy (D–Des Plaines)

• Representative Maurice West (D–Rockford)

It’s backed by groups like FairVote and Represent.US, who are pushing election changes nationwide — often without understanding the local consequences.

Here in Illinois, this bill would consolidate power among party insiders and those with the most campaign money. It favors well-known names, political machines, and big donors — not local leaders and everyday citizens trying to make a difference.

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🚫 What’s at Stake

• Voter choice disappears.

• Independents and minor parties are silenced.

• General elections become less competitive.

• Party bosses and big money win.

This isn’t reform. It’s regression — and it affects everything from your school board to your state senator.

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🛡️ What You Can Do to Stop SB 2158

1. Call your State Representative and State Senator

   • Tell them: “Vote NO on SB 2158. We want real choice in elections — not fake reform.”

2. Share this information

   • Most people have no idea what’s in this bill. Post it on social media, talk to your neighbors, and ask your local officials where they stand.

3. Email the bill sponsors directly:

   • Senator Laura Murphy: senatormurphy@senatedem.illinois.gov

   • Rep. Maurice West: repwest@ilhousegop.org

4. Demand public hearings and local accountability

   • Ask your county board, city council, or party organization to start opposing SB 2158.

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🔔 Final Word from AIM4WILL

AIM4WILL was created to fight for transparency, accountability, and real choice in government. SB 2158 goes against all of that. It silences competition, pushes out grassroots candidates, and makes general elections a formality — not a decision.

If you care about fair elections, this is your moment. Let’s stop SB 2158 — before it stops you from being heard.