IL HB0624

Amends the Election Code to restrict judges and former judges from submitting candidacy for a judicial office vacancy unless they are seeking a higher or lower court position or have not served as an elected or appointed judge for at least 2 years.

Requires judges seeking retention in their current office to file a declaration of candidacy with the Secretary of State not less than 6 months before the general election preceding the expiration of their term.

Directs the Secretary of State to certify to the State Board of Elections the names of incumbent judges who failed to timely file or withdrew their retention candidacy declarations within 3 business days.

Specifies that retention elections are conducted separately and without party designation, asking voters whether each judge should be retained for another term, with a three-fifths affirmative vote required for retention.

Allows judicial candidates for retention to request redaction of their home address information from their candidacy declaration, which the Secretary of State must process within 5 business days.