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State Representative La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, and U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis are calling for a significant change in Illinois’s approach to local elections, proposing an amendment to allow formerly incarcerated individuals to run for local office. On Wednesday, November 6, at 11 a.m., Ford will discuss this initiative with advocates at a press conference at 555 W. Monroe St. in Chicago, aiming to address inconsistencies in Illinois’s election laws that currently allow people with past convictions to seek state or federal office but restrict them from pursuing local roles without special approval.
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Under the existing system, individuals who have served their time can run for positions like state representative or even U.S. senator. However, they face barriers when trying to run for local roles, such as mayor or trustee, unless they receive a pardon or the governor restores their rights. Ford describes this as a double standard, noting that Illinois’s system “is not consistent” and that “we have one set of standards for those running for state office and another for those running locally.”
The proposed amendment would offer a pathway for formerly incarcerated individuals to take on leadership roles in the communities where they grew up or where they may want to contribute firsthand knowledge of issues impacting marginalized areas. Ford believes that many reformed citizens could bring invaluable perspectives, particularly in areas disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system. He argues, “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.”
While the proposal does not change rules for individuals convicted of a felony while holding public office—who would remain barred permanently from office—the adjustment would allow people with past records, who have since rehabilitated, to pursue local office if they wish to serve.
This call for reform joins a larger movement advocating for criminal justice reform and increased inclusion in public life. By allowing formerly incarcerated individuals to contribute to their communities in a leadership role, Ford and Davis hope to strengthen Illinois’s commitment to equality and provide greater representation for people who have been disproportionately impacted by incarceration.
With this in mind, the question arises: could this be a positive step forward? Could allowing these individuals to run for office benefit communities by providing relatable leadership and perspectives that others might lack?