IL HB2398

Amends the Illinois Election Code to equalize signature requirements for new political parties and independent candidates with those required for established political parties, effective upon passage.

Changes statewide new political party petition requirements from 1% of prior election voters (or 25,000 signatures, whichever is less) to a fixed range of 5,000 to 10,000 qualified voters.

Modifies district and subdivision petition signature requirements from percentage-based calculations to 0.5% of qualified voters in that jurisdiction, with specific thresholds for congressional, legislative, representative, and local districts.

Reduces signature requirements for independent candidates at statewide and district levels to match the new political party thresholds (5,000-10,000 for statewide; 0.5% of qualified voters for districts).

Establishes that signature requirements for new parties and independent candidates shall be identical to those for established political parties, regardless of party affiliation.