09/08/2026
The clock is officially running.
As of August 25, independent, new political party, and nonpartisan candidates across Illinois can begin circulating nominating petitions for the April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election. This marks day one of petition circulation for independent and new political party candidates in municipalities, as well as nonpartisan candidates seeking local office.
The window, though, is shorter than it looks. Petitions must be filed with local election authorities between November 16 and November 23, 2026. That gives prospective candidates for village boards, school boards, park districts, library districts, and other local offices roughly thirteen weeks to get everything in order before the filing period opens on November 16.
After a candidate has filed nomination papers, any person residing in the political district where the candidate is seeking elective office can file an objection challenging the legal sufficiency of the candidateโs nominating papers. An objection must be filed within five business days of the end of the candidate filing period on November 23, 2026. Depending on how many days the office of the local election official is closed for the Thanksgiving holiday, the deadline to file objection will likely be either December 1, 2026, or December 2, 2026. Common grounds for objections include a candidate who doesnโt meet the eligibility requirements for office, doesnโt reside in the district they filed for, submitted a petition without enough valid signatures, or otherwise failed to meet the statutory requirements for their papers.
If youโre considering a run for local office this cycle, now is the time to get your papers reviewed. Ancel Glink regularly advises candidates on ballot access requirements and preparing and reviewing nomination papers. Reach out today to make sure your paperwork holds up.
