PEORIA (WEEK) - This might be the year independent political parties find more support now that several of them are on the November ballot.

A federal court ruling from northern Illinois, issued back in April, reduced the number of signatures needed.

Locally, five Libertarians are ready to compete against major party candidates. They're also arguing in a Peoria courtroom this week, hoping to get nine Libertarians cleared for the November 3 balloting.

"Our people are strong candidates, and they're going to be taking on people that have created the mess that we're sitting in here today," said Donny Henry, Chairman of the Libertarian Party of Greater Peoria.

"So, I'm very proud of what we've put together and I cannot wait to see this through. I think when the dust settles, we will be on the ballot and we will have candidates that will make this city and this county proud," Henry said.

Henry expects even greater ballot access going forward, after this election cycle, in which Libertarian Chad Grimm expects to face Democratic incumbent State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth in the 92nd District. Fellow Libertarian Ken Allison and Democrat Karla Bailey-Smith are trying to unseat incumbent GOP Rep. Keith Sommer in the 88th District.

"I'm all for more parties," said Henry.

"I think the two party system both nationally and in Illinois has caused a lot of conflict of us versus them."

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Libertarians say they're ready to take on major party candidates - HOI ABC