Whenever a vacancy in the office of State Senator is to be filled by election pursuant to Article IV, Section 2(d) of the Constitution and Section 25-6 of this Code, nominations shall be made pursuant to this Section:
(1) If the vacancy in office occurs before the first date provided in Section 10-3 for filing nomination papers for the general election in the next even-numbered year following the commencement of the term, the nomination of independent candidates for such office shall be made as otherwise provided in this Article.(2) If the vacancy occurs in office after the first day for filing nomination papers for independent candidates as provided in Section 10-3 but before the first day provided in Section 10-6 for filing nomination papers for the general election in the next even-numbered year following the commencement of the term, independent candidates for such office shall file their nomination papers during the filing period set forth in Section 10-6 for new political party candidates.(3) If a vacancy in office occurs prior to the first day provided in Section 10-6 for filing nomination papers for new political party candidates for the next ensuing general election, new political party candidates for such office shall file their nomination papers during the filing period as set forth in Section 10-6 as otherwise provided in this Article.(4) If the vacancy in office occurs during the time provided in Section 10-6 for filing nomination papers for new political party candidates for the next ensuing general election, the time for independent and new political party candidates to file nomination papers for such office shall be not more than 92 days nor less than 85 days prior to the date of the general election.(5) If the vacancy in office occurs after the last day provided in Section 10-6 for filing nomination papers for new political party candidates, independent and new political party candidates shall be nominated as provided by rules and regulations of the State Board of Elections. The provisions of Sections 10-8 and 10-10.1 relating to objections to nomination papers, hearings on objections and judicial review, shall also apply to and govern objections to nomination papers filed pursuant to this Section.
Unless otherwise specified herein, the nomination and election provided for in this Section shall be governed by this Code.
Amended by P.A. 096-1008,§ 5, eff. 7/6/2010.