Wheaton voters could see names removed from the April ballot after two rare electoral board hearings scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9, at City Hall.
Kimberly M. Alanis, a candidate for Councilmember At-Large, has filed objections to the nominating papers of two other candidates. The first case targets James E. Pursley, who is running for Councilmember At-Large. The second challenges the nominating papers of Mayor Philip J. Suess, according to hearing agendas posted by the city on Friday, Nov. 6.
The hearings will take place in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St.
Two hearings, two boards
The Councilmember At-Large case, listed as Case No. 2026-1 (Alanis v. Pursley), goes first at 10 a.m. Mayor Philip J. Suess will chair that three-member electoral board. City Clerk Andrea Rosedale and Councilmember At-Large Erica Bray-Parker round out the panel.
A separate electoral board convenes at 11 a.m. for Case No. 2026-2 (Alanis v. Suess), which challenges the mayor's nominating papers. Because Suess is the subject of that objection, Councilmember Lynn A. Robbins chairs the mayor's hearing instead. Rosedale and Bray-Parker serve on that board as well, according to the mayor's race agenda.
Both hearings are required by law before the April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election, the agendas state.
What's at stake
If the electoral board sustains an objection, the challenged candidate could be kept off the April ballot. The agendas do not describe the specific grounds Alanis cited in her filings. Neither Pursley's nor Suess's responses to the objections appear in the posted documents.
Alanis, a Wheaton resident since 2016, holds a master's degree in accounting and financial management, according to her campaign website. She is seeking one of the Councilmember At-Large seats on the council.
How to attend
Each hearing includes a public comment period. Both are open to the public at City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St. The At-Large hearing begins at 10 a.m. and the mayor's hearing follows at 11 a.m.
