ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Illinois election law and the calendar are threatening to make taxpayers say "Bah, humbug" on Christmas Eve.

The combination of an early spring Election Day and legal requirements for candidates wanting their names on the ballot means government offices have to stay open Dec. 24 – and the bureaucrats staffing them will get overtime pay.

State law requires the period for political candidates to file nominating petitions begin 113 days before the April 9 municipal elections, and run for eight days – ending at 5 p.m. on Dec. 24 this year. It's not a state holiday but it is for many city governments, school districts and park boards whose voters will go to the polls next spring.