A lack of interest in running for local office has been underscored by the situation in the Chicago suburbs where there are a number of local races without enough candidates. Election records show at least 150 races on suburban ballots don't have enough candidates. That amount is more than double the number in 2009.
The number of school board races in suburban Cook County without enough candidates increased from more than 10 in 2009 to more than 30. The numbers have risen from two to more than 10 in DuPage County, from three to eight in Kane County and from three to more than 10 in Lake County.
In one example two incumbents are the only ones running for four available spots on the Queen Bee Elementary District 16 school board.
