The Illinois Election Code sets forth instructions detailing when candidates from a political party may be placed on the ballot in state, local, and congressional elections. See 10 Ill.Comp.Stat. 5/1–5/30. In essence, the Code characterizes political parties in two categories: “established” and “new.” If a party receives more than 5% of the vote in the last general election for governor, that party is considered an established political party for all state, local, and congressional races.
10 Ill.Comp.Stat. 5/10–2. If a party receives more than 5% of the vote in certain other statewide elections,
e.g., United States Senate, Illinois Attorney General, or the University of Illinois Board of Trustees,
that party is considered established only for statewide elections, and not for congressional or other non-statewide elections.
Id. Finally, a party that receives more than 5% of the vote in the last election within any congressional district or other political subdivision,
e.g., United States House of Representatives, is considered an established political party only for that district.
Id. A party remains established only as long as it maintains the above criteria.
Id. Parties that are not established are considered new parties.