Luebke to run as write-in candidate for DeKalb Township Supervisor after tumultuous week of ballot battles

DEKALB TOWNSHIP - Democrat Jim Luebke has announced he’ll officially run as a write-in candidate for the April 6 race for DeKalb Township Supervisor following a failed battle to get on the ballot.

Luebke’s announcement came Friday afternoon after an unsuccessful Thursday virtual court hearing in front of DeKalb County Judge Bradley Waller to appeal DeKalb Township Clerk Kevin Flavin’s decision to not certify his petition for the supervisor ballot after a paperwork error led to controversy in the township clerk’s office. Longtime Township Clerk Lynn Kunde resigned mid-January after serving in the role since 2005 after she refused to make a decision on whether or not to certify his ballot upon realizing he’d neglected to turn in a receipt for his Statement of Economic Interest, a requirement needed to certify ballots.

In response, Luebke filed a lawsuit against the township, Flavin and Township Supervisor Nancy Teboda alleging unfair treatment in light of what his attorney Anna Wilhelmi argued was a lack of notification that something was missing during the objection period for ballot certification.

“Yesterday I went to court seeking justice, not only for myself but for the voters of DeKalb Township, in the end we were met with only the cold injustice of a rigid legal process,” Luebke said Friday in a statement. “Rather than begin a costly appeal to a higher court, I will take my appeal directly to the voters of DeKalb Township, the ultimate power in our electoral system. The voters deserve a fair election with a choice for DeKalb Township Supervisor, I am calling on them to make their voices heard.”

Though he’d ruled it out initially in lieu of an attempt to get his name officially on the April 6 Consolidated Election Township ballot, Luebke confirmed Friday he’ll still seek office as a write-in candidate, meaning his name will not appear on the ballot, but voters wishing to place their bets on him will still be able to vote for him by writing his name, spelled correctly, in the write-in spot in April.

“Today I am announcing my candidacy as a Write-In for DeKalb Township Supervisor in the April 6th Election and I ask for your vote,” Luebke said. “Together, we can restore our democracy.”

Luebke’s bid for office will remain unofficially contested, as Mary Hess, a current Township trustee, will also seek the role. Her candidacy was certified by the Township clerk’s office, confirmed Township attorney Brad Stewart this week.