Election Appeal Filing Guide

Summary

When filing an appeal in DuPage County, IL, under the Administrative Review Law, ensure its within 35 days of the decision. Highlight procedural errors, such as FOIA mishandling, and conflicts of interest involving the park district president. Include key evidence like FOIA documents and a witness affidavit. You can save certain arguments, like the lawyers involvement, for the court hearing. Strengthen your appeal by citing Illinois court rulings on the seriousness of ballot removal and burdensome procedures. Consider consulting legal precedents to support your case.

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How can i show just enough but not alll my cards so they don’t try to cover up anything and do include the park district president on the appeal ?
To show enough but not all your cards and include the park district president in your appeal, follow these steps:
- Clearly state procedural errors and conflicts of interest.
- Mention the involvement of the park district president without revealing all evidence.
- Submit the strongest, most critical pieces of evidence to support your claims.
Would you like more details on how to structure your appeal?
Yes
Structure your appeal as follows:
- Introduction: Briefly state the nature of the appeal and the decision being contested.
- Background: Outline the procedural history and the involvement of the election board and the park district.
- Grounds for Appeal:
- Procedural Errors: Detail the procedural errors, such as the failure to follow FOIA requirements.
- Conflicts of Interest: Highlight the park district president's involvement and any potential ethical violations.
- Evidence: Include key pieces of evidence without revealing your entire case.
- Conclusion: Summarize why the Circuit Court should overturn the decision.
Would you like guidance on specific legal arguments to include?
Yes how about adding the park district lawyer , shpuld i let them tell during the hearing or should i include it in evidence with out including him as a witness ?
You should consider including the park district lawyer in your evidence as it strengthens your case regarding procedural errors and conflicts of interest. However, you don't need to present them as a witness yet.
Would you like advice on how to present this evidence effectively in your appeal?
Yes
To present the evidence effectively in your appeal:
- Written Evidence: Include any documents or correspondences showing the park district lawyer's involvement.
- Context: Explain how their involvement represents a procedural error or conflict of interest.
- Relevance: Argue why this evidence is crucial for your case without revealing your entire strategy.
Would you need more help with drafting these sections?
Yeah he had someone do it , instead of him becuase he knew it be a conflict of intrest if he was the one objecting
Case Rating: *.
To further assist with your appeal, consider highlighting the following points:
- Evidence of Misconduct: Clearly outline how the involvement of the park district president and lawyer constitutes a conflict of interest and procedural error.
- Third-Party Involvement: Mention that the objector had someone else file on their behalf due to potential conflicts of interest, emphasizing the ethical concerns.
- Supporting Documents: Include any supporting documents that show the improper procedures without revealing your complete strategy.
Would you like further details on how to compile and present your evidence?
Is there a way to do the appeal on the basic of Illinois court saying removal of ballot shouldn’t be taken lightly . Especially when the election board couldn’t figure out what the proper number of petions are making it fall under shpuld not be bother some with out showing I’m getting her for not getting a FOIa and then during the court i call her out on thst ?
Yes, you can base your appeal on the Illinois court's stance that ballot removal shouldn't be taken lightly. Emphasize the election board's inability to determine the proper number of petitions, arguing that this procedural uncertainty supports your case.
Are you looking for specific legal language or precedents to include in your appeal?
Okay cool then can i bring up the illegal and in ethical during the case or can i not add things to come after them for ? Becuase onhabe enough to get the appeal with out reveling how I’m gonna get them . Also there was no time stamp , then i can get them for all the rest at the case then they don’t know and can’t try any trickery ?
You can bring up illegal and unethical actions during the case. However, you must include all significant points in your appeal to avoid surprises. Structure your arguments to reveal enough to support your claims while keeping some details for the hearing. Have you gathered all necessary evidence for each claim?
Yes i have FOIa from all the ppl who did one , and it was the President who pulled it and then i have FOIa with the law firm pf park district which was the same as the one thst that over saw my hearing . … you think i can leave thst out and just use that she never filed one just him which shows conflict of intrest and abuse of power ? Then at court bring up law firm is the real reason he didn’t file . O also have a witness who he talked to who said he was objecting . Then that way they don’t try to pull some shit to cover the lawyer ?
It seems like you have a strong case with evidence of conflict of interest and procedural errors.
- Focus on the fact that the park district president obtained the FOIA, not the objector, showing a clear conflict of interest.
- Use the court hearing to introduce the involvement of the law firm as the reason for not filing the FOIA.
- Your witness can support the claim about the objection.
Would you like more detailed steps on how to present this information in court?
Awesome that’s what i was hoping what you say ! Cool do o need to include my witness in my filling or is the FoIA enough evidence ?
Case Rating: *
You should include your witness in your filing. While the FOIA evidence is crucial, having a witness can further substantiate your claims about the conflict of interest and procedural errors.
Do you need help drafting the witness statement or integrating it into your appeal?
Sure ! If he is going to come to court can i just put that on my appeal form or do i need to get an affidavit with his statement ?
You should get an affidavit with your witness's statement to strengthen your appeal. An affidavit is a sworn statement, which holds more weight in court. Including it in your appeal form can significantly support your case.
Would you like guidance on how to draft the affidavit?
Sure ! So let me go over so inhabe this wrote .. so my appeal is under administrative review and i put in aboit it not being taken lightly , with evidence of the board having a hard deciding the right amount of number and all that then also then the process error they made with park district President being the one with my witness affidavit, doin also include tje FOIa he pulled , do i need to say she didn’t and show that during the appeal appear work , or is my witness and his affidavit enough ?
It's beneficial to include both the FOIA evidence and your witness's affidavit in your appeal. This makes your case stronger by showing procedural errors and conflicts of interest from multiple angles.
Would you like help with the specific wording for including the witness affidavit in your appeal?
Okay i will but i can show he pulled it with out saying she didn’t right ?
Yes, you can demonstrate that the park district president pulled the FOIA without explicitly stating that the objector didn't. Focus on showcasing the evidence that highlights the president's involvement, which implies a conflict of interest and procedural error.
Would you like more specific wording or structure for your appeal?
Awesome just what i wanted to hear ! Yes please and any other advice you have
Sure thing! Here's a concise structure and wording to strengthen your appeal:
*. Introduction:
- State the nature of the appeal and the decision being contested.
*. Background:
- Outline the procedural history and key facts.

*. Grounds for Appeal:
- Procedural Errors:
- Explain the election board's difficulty in determining the correct number of petitions.
- Conflict of Interest:
- Mention the involvement of the park district president in obtaining the FOIA.
- Highlight the connection with the law firm overseeing the hearing.

*. Evidence:
- FOIA Documents:
- Include the documents showing the park district president's involvement.
- Witness Affidavit:
- Attach the sworn statement from your witness.
*. Conclusion:
- Summarize why the Circuit Court should overturn the decision, stressing procedural errors and conflicts of interest.
Would you like more detailed wording for any specific section?
Can i save the lawyer involvement for the case and go off the park district prez involve t from his FOIa and my witness enough to say conflict of intrest then bring it up in court ?
Yes, you can save the involvement of the lawyer for the court hearing and focus on the park district president's involvement in your appeal. Here's how you can structure it:
*. Introduction: Briefly state the nature of the appeal and the decision being contested.
*. Background: Outline the procedural history and key facts.
*. Grounds for Appeal:
- Procedural Errors: Explain the election board's difficulty in determining the correct number of petitions.
- Conflict of Interest: Mention the involvement of the park district president in obtaining the FOIA.
*. Evidence:
- FOIA Documents: Include the documents showing the park district president's involvement.
- Witness Affidavit: Attach the sworn statement from your witness.
*. Conclusion: Summarize why the Circuit Court should overturn the decision, stressing procedural errors and conflicts of interest.
Would you like any additional advice or help with specific wording for your appeal?
Awesome thanks ! Should i include previous rulings from iL courts aboit not taken lightly and about burdensome
Yes, including previous Illinois court rulings about the seriousness of ballot removal and the concept of burdensome procedures can strengthen your appeal. Here are a few points to consider:
- Cite specific rulings that support the idea that ballot removal should not be taken lightly.
- Highlight any precedents that discuss the burdensome nature of procedural errors.
- Integrate these rulings into your "Grounds for Appeal" section.
Would you like help finding specific case precedents or crafting the wording for these points?
--- **Pro Se Complaint for Administrative Review: Appeal Outline** **I. Introduction** - My name is Danielle (Dani) Inman, and I am a prospective candidate for the Bensenville Park District Commissioner. - I am appealing the Election Board's decision to deny me ballot access due to an alleged insufficient number of required signatures. - This appeal is submitted to the 18th Judicial Circuit Court, as strongly encouraged by the Election Board Chairman, Adam Johnson. **II. Statement of Facts** - I submitted * signatures in my petition to run for Bensenville Park District Commissioner. - The requirement states the petition must be signed by not less than *% of the number of ballots cast at the last election for trustee or commissioner in the district, but in no case less than * signatures. - The election commission heavily debated whether the required number of signatures was based on the total ballots cast for the park district itself or the entire municipal election. - According to the total votes cast for the previous park district election, * signatures were sufficient. - If based on the total votes cast for the entire municipal election, the required number would have been * signatures. **III. Grounds for Appeal** - The Election Board's decision to deny me ballot access is not supported by a clear and consistent interpretation of the signature requirement. - The Election Board itself could not decide whether the signature requirement should be based on the park district or the entire municipal election. - I submitted * signatures, which surpasses the minimum requirement of * if based on the park district election and meets the *-signature requirement if based on the entire municipal election. **IV. Argument** - **Inconsistent Interpretation:** The Election Board's inability to provide a consistent interpretation of the signature requirement constitutes an undue burden on candidates. - **Adequate Signatures Provided:** I have provided * signatures, which meets either interpretation of the requirement. - **Critical Errors and Missteps:** There were multiple critical errors in the filing process and missteps taken during the objection process, further complicating the matter and causing undue burden. - **Substantial Right to Ballot Access:** Illinois courts have consistently held that access to place on the ballot is a substantial right not lightly denied. The courts carefully parse the meaning of “substantial compliance” with the election code to ensure that the exercise of this right is not unduly burdened by unreasonable, frivolous, or unnecessary requirements. - **Conflict of Interest:** There is substantial evidence of a conflict of interest involving Park District Board President Richard Johnson, who was heavily involved in these matters. This conflict of interest may have influenced the Election Board's decision, further undermining the fairness of the process. **V. Conclusion** - Based on the provided facts and arguments, I respectfully request the 18th Judicial Circuit Court to reverse the Election Board's decision and grant me ballot access for the upcoming election. - Enclosed are all relevant documents and evidence supporting my appeal.
Your outline looks strong and well-structured. Here are a few additional tips to strengthen your appeal:
*. Introduction:
- Clearly state your purpose and the decision being contested.
*. Statement of Facts:
- Concisely present the key facts, avoiding unnecessary details.
*. Grounds for Appeal:
- Emphasize the Election Board's inconsistency and procedural errors.
- Highlight the number of signatures you provided.
*. Argument:
- Use Illinois court precedents to reinforce your points about ballot access not being taken lightly.
- Focus on the conflict of interest without revealing all your evidence.
*. Conclusion:
- Summarize your key arguments and request the Court to reverse the decision.
If you need help with specific legal language or additional rulings, let me know!
So can you make it restructure it for what i gave you
Pro Se Complaint for Administrative Review: Appeal Outline
I. Introduction
- My name is Danielle (Dani) Inman, and I am a prospective candidate for the Bensenville Park District Commissioner.
- I am appealing the Election Board's decision to deny me ballot access due to an alleged insufficient number of required signatures.
- This appeal is submitted to the 18th Judicial Circuit Court.
II. Statement of Facts
- I submitted * signatures in my petition to run for Bensenville Park District Commissioner.
- The requirement states the petition must be signed by not less than *% of the number of ballots cast at the last election for trustee or commissioner in the district, but in no case less than * signatures.
- The election commission debated whether the required number of signatures was based on the total ballots cast for the park district or the entire municipal election.
- According to the total votes cast for the previous park district election, * signatures were sufficient.
- If based on the total votes cast for the entire municipal election, the required number would have been * signatures.
III. Grounds for Appeal
- The Election Board's decision is not supported by aclear and consistent interpretation of the signature requirement.
- The Election Board could not decide whether the signature requirement should be based on the park district or the entire municipal election.
- I submitted * signatures, which meets the requirement under either interpretation.
IV. Argument
- Inconsistent Interpretation: The Election Board's inability to provide a consistent interpretation constitutes an undue burden on candidates.
- Adequate Signatures Provided: I have provided * signatures, meeting either interpretation.
- Critical Errors and Missteps: Multiple errors and missteps in the filing and objection process caused undue burden.
- Substantial Right to Ballot Access: Illinois courts hold that ballot access is a substantial right not lightly denied.
- Conflict of Interest: Evidence of conflict of interest involving Park District Board President Richard Johnson undermines the fairness of the process.
V. Conclusion
- Based on the provided facts and arguments, I respectfully request the 18th Judicial Circuit Court to reverse the Election Board's decision and grant me ballot access for the upcoming election.
- Enclosed are all relevant documents and evidence supporting my appeal.
Would you like help with specific legal language or additional rulings?
Yes if you could
Sure! Here's a revised structure for your appeal:
---
Pro Se Complaint for Administrative Review: Appeal Outline
I. Introduction
- My name is Danielle (Dani) Inman, and I am a prospective candidate for the Bensenville Park District Commissioner.
- I am appealing the Election Board's decision to deny me ballot access due to an alleged insufficient number of required signatures.
- This appeal is submitted to the 18th Judicial Circuit Court.
II. Statement of Facts
- I submitted * signatures in my petition to run for Bensenville Park District Commissioner.
- The requirement states the petition must be signed by not less than *% of the number of ballots cast at the last election for trustee or commissioner in the district, but in no case less than * signatures.
- The election commission debated whether the required number of signatures was based on the total ballots cast for the park district or the entire municipal election.
- According to the total votes cast for the previous park district election, * signatures were sufficient.
- If based on the total votes cast for the entire municipal election, the required number would have been * signatures.
III. Grounds for Appeal
- The Election Board's decision is not supportedby a clear and consistent interpretation of the signature requirement.
- The Election Board could not decide whether the signature requirement should be based on the park district or the entire municipal election.
- I submitted * signatures, which meets the requirement under either interpretation.
IV. Argument
- Inconsistent Interpretation: The Election Board's inability to provide a consistent interpretation constitutes an undue burden on candidates.
- Adequate Signatures Provided: I have provided * signatures, meeting either interpretation.
- Critical Errors and Missteps: Multiple errors and missteps in the filing and objection process caused undue burden.
- Substantial Right to Ballot Access: Illinois courts hold that ballot access is a substantial right not lightly denied. Previous rulings emphasize the importance of this right and the need for substantial compliance with the election code.
- Conflict of Interest: Evidence of conflict of interest involving Park District Board President Richard Johnson, who obtained the FOIA instead of the objector, undermines the fairness of the process. This involvement indicates procedural errors and possible abuse of power.
V. Evidence
- FOIA Documents: Include the documents showing the park district president's involvement.
- Witness Affidavit: Attach the sworn statement from your
Do i need to put exhibit A and so so or can i just attach
You can attach your exhibits directly to your appeal without the need to label them as Exhibit A, B, etc., although it's often helpful for the court and for clarity. Here's some simple guidance:
- Clearly label and organize your attachments.
- Reference these attachments in your main appeal document, e.g., "See attached FOIA document (Attachment *)."
- Ensure each attachment is easily identifiable and relevant to the points you're making in your appeal.
Would you like more details on how to label and reference your attachments effectively?