DANVILLE, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The Vermilion County Electoral Board has removed Hugh Sands from the ballot for the upcoming sheriff’s race, following an objection by fellow candidate Jerry Harker. Sands, who was seeking the office of Sheriff, was disqualified after failing to complete the state-mandated Minimum Standards Basic Law Enforcement Officers Training Course.
In a press release issued Tuesday, Vermilion County Clerk and Electoral Board Chair Robyn Heffern announced the board’s decision after a Monday morning hearing. The objection, filed by Harker, was based on Sands’ failure to meet the training requirements stipulated by Illinois law. According to the Illinois County Code (55 ILCS 5/3-6001.5), any candidate for sheriff must successfully complete the basic law enforcement training before taking office.
Following the hearing, the Electoral Board reviewed the evidence and cited a previous court ruling, Gercone v. Cook Cnty. Officers Electoral Bd., 2022 IL App (1st) 220724, to justify their decision. The board upheld the objection, meaning Sands will be removed from the ballot for the upcoming election.
Sands has stated his intention to appeal the Electoral Board’s decision in court, which could delay the final list of candidates for the sheriff’s race.
