SPRINGFIELD — A federal appeals court has rejected a constitutional challenge to Illinois’ ballot requirements for third parties.A 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel has ruled state laws forcing candidates from new political parties to collect and notarize extra signatures do not violate free speech or equal protection in the U.S. Constitution.The challenge was brought by two Green Party candidates for the General Assembly who were unable to get on the ballot during the 2014 midterm elections.Tabitha Tripp …