When an incumbent challenges every opponent's right to appear on the ballot, we need to ask what has happened to the democratic process.
In 2025, Skokie held its first election under a new system that divided the Village into four trustee districts. The change was intended to give residents more direct representation and a stronger voice in local government.
Lissa Levy, who advocated for this new system, ran unopposed in District 3. Voters could cast their ballots, but they had no alternative candidate to choose.
Now, just two years later, three residents have stepped forward to run for District 3 Trustee: incumbent Lissa Levy, Samuel Goldstein, and me.
For the first time, District 3 residents have the opportunity to hear different perspectives, compare candidates, ask difficult questions, and make an informed choice about who should represent them.
But that opportunity is now being challenged.
Rebecca Abraham filed an objection to my nomination petitions on behalf of what Lissa Levy herself described to me as “our campaign.” I understand that an objection has also been filed against Samuel Goldstein, the only other challenger in District 3.
If both challenges succeed, Levy would once again be the only candidate on the District 3 ballot.
Let that sink in.
Two of Skokie's four trustee districts already have uncontested elections in April 2027. If both challenges in District 3 succeed, 75% of Skokie's trustee districts will have no choice between candidates on the ballot.
Why did we fight to change our electoral system if we are going to deny voters meaningful choices within it?
Illinois law allows candidates and voters to challenge nomination petitions. Those rules exist for legitimate reasons, and candidates should be expected to follow them. But there is an important distinction between protecting the integrity of an election and using the objection process to eliminate political competition.
When an incumbent challenges both of her opponents, the public deserves to ask why.
I believe elected officials should welcome public scrutiny, competing ideas, and the opportunity to earn the confidence of their constituents. Holding office should never mean being insulated from competition.
I did not enter this race because I believe I am entitled to a seat on the Village Board. I entered because I believe Skokie residents deserve thoughtful, accountable leadership and a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their lives.
Samuel Goldstein has every right to make his case to the voters, just as I do. So does Lissa Levy.
And District 3 residents should have the opportunity to evaluate all three of us.
An election should be decided by voters, not by which candidates succeed in removing their opponents from the ballot.
I intend to defend my candidacy through the appropriate legal process. But this issue is larger than my campaign.
It is about the kind of democracy we want in Skokie, the purpose of the electoral reforms we adopted, and whether our elected officials believe that representation means giving residents a voice or protecting their own seats.
I believe in competition. I believe in accountability. And most importantly, I believe in the voters of District 3.
Let us make our cases. Let the voters decide.
Madeleine England
Candidate for Skokie Village Trustee, District 3