Appellate court upholds trial court keeping Lake County Board candidate off ballot

The Democratic primary race for Lake County Board District 16 in the Round Lake area has taken another turn with an appellate court decision upholding an objection to remove Juan Beto Ruiz’ name from the ballot.

Though Ruiz’ name still appears on ballots for Tuesday’s primary, votes cast for him will not count, according to Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega.

Ruiz is challenging incumbent Esiah Campos, who is seeking a second term.

“While I strongly disagree with the decision, we respect the rule of law,” Ruiz said Tuesday morning.

Campos said the decision was anticipated and that Ruiz created a false narrative by saying the courts were preventing him from running.

“The responsibility for this outcome exclusively lies with my opponent, as he was solely responsible for correctly completing and submitting the required paperwork,” he said. “The courts have affirmed that he should never have appeared on the ballot.”

The matter has resulted in appeals and counter appeals that have clouded the status of the campaign.

“This is not the end for us,” Ruiz said. “We are currently exploring what other options or next steps may be available.”

A previous circuit court order upholding an objection to Ruiz’ nominating petitions removed him from the ballot. But the order was stayed pending the appellate court ruling.

The Illinois Appellate Court Second District affirmed the circuit court decision and reversed the judgment of the Lake County Electoral Board, which in November disagreed with an objection to Ruiz’ nominating petitions.

Objectors argued Ruiz did not use his surname, “Reynoso,” or his complete surname, “Ruiz Reynoso,” on petitions. The circuit court overturned that ruling which Ruiz appealed.

The appellate court cited the Election Code in ruling that striking a candidate’s name from the ballot was necessary when the candidate uses an improper designation “because it taints the nominating process itself, not simply the ballot.”

Ruiz argued there have been many examples of officials using preferred nicknames or more well-known names — ones they most commonly use.

“It doesn’t mean they’re trying to mislead the community. It just means that’s how they are known within their community,” he said.

The situation highlights a critical need, especially in the Latino community, he added, “to clarify the law and expectations for residents with two last names when using them in official matters, including running for office.”

District 16 includes Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Heights and portions of Round Lake and Round Lake Park. Campos and Ruiz both live in Round Lake Beach.