Deadline looms for 2014 election filing

SPRINGFIELD — Candidates who want their names on the ballot during Illinois’ March primary election are running out of time to file their petitions.

The deadline to submit paperwork for the primary is 5 p.m. on Monday.

The Illinois Radio Network reports that candidates who file between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. will have their names entered into a lottery for the last spot on the ballot.

Rupert Borgsmiller is the executive director of the Illinois State Board of Elections. He says politicians often jockey for the first and last spots on the ballot.

Candidates began submitting paperwork on Nov. 25.

So far, more than 400 candidates have filed with the state, including gubernatorial hopefuls and candidates vying for Congress, judgeships and the state Legislature.