Nitpicking shouldn't decide who wins

One is criticized for work that isn't neatly stapled. Another is scolded for forgetting to number pages on the homework. One had an answer right in several places, but the focus is on the one spot where it's wrong. Sounds like a day in the classroom of a strict elementary school teacher.

It isn't.

It's part of the election process that ultimately will determine who guides our communities through the toughest economy in generations.

Before issues are debated, political opponents look for flaws in paperwork filed by candidates for mayor or boards overseeing villages, schools, parks, libraries, fire districts and townships.

If you forget something minor like numbering pages, you're not qualified. It's as simple as that.

Instead of discussion about issues such as the controversial Wal-Mart, that's what will likely decide the election in West Dundee. Village President Larry Keller has no ballot opposition because Michael Elmore didn't number pages.

There are challenges with merit. In Antioch Township, Assessor Heather Kufalk-Marotta claims her opponent submitted forged signatures. Challenger Gene Kryczka claims Kufalk-Marotta lives outside the township.

If true, these should disqualify. It's this year's wealth of nitpicking that leaves us questioning the value of such strict interpretation of the law.

"My own mother's signature is being challenged," Carpentersville Village President Bill Sarto told Staff Writer Larissa Chinwah. Sarto is among six challenged by former hopeful Frank Stoneham. Sarto accuses Stoneham, removed in 2007 by a challenge, of looking for "payback."

One of Stoneham's complaints is that two candidates have too many signatures. Too many.

How could too much participation possibly be a bad thing in a democracy? It can't.

Outgoing College of DuPage Trustee Kory Atkinson also is trying to limit voters' options.

"If someone can't fill out their election forms properly they shouldn't be serving on a college board that oversees a $146 million budget," Atkinson told Staff Writer Jake Griffin.

That's valid if the job involves day-to-day management of finances. But trustees aren't balancing books. They set policies to provide the educational opportunities the community needs.

In Deer Park, where objections have been filed against every candidate for village president and trustee, it's conceivable voters could be staring at a blank ballot. However, that seems unlikely. The mayor, clerk and most senior trustee decide who stays and who goes at hearings that begin at 4 p.m. today. Incumbents, of course, can't vote on themselves or opponents. So another trustee will hear the challenges to village president candidates incumbent Scott Gifford and Trustee Bob Kellermann.

Incumbents will determine whom they will work with. We're not suggesting those assigned to the task can't be objective. However, we do see this as yet another flaw in a process that ultimately limits choices, prohibits discussion and violates the spirit of our democracy.