Key Dates For Candidates To Know Running For Local Office In The April 2027 Election

So you want to get into politics? Although we haven’t gotten past the midterms yet, the 2027 Illinois Consolidated Election for municipal, school, library, park, community college, township and other local elected offices is fast approaching.

Petition circulation to get your name on the ballot is already underway through Nov. 23. Candidates running for local office must collect a minimum of 5 percent of signatures from the voter turnout in the last election for the office they are seeking.

For example, if 1,033 votes were cast in the preceding election for mayor, candidates need to collect a minimum of 52 votes from registered voters who reside in the town or district and are qualified to vote in that particular election. So it is wise to collect more signatures, usually 8 percent, than you need in case your petitions are challenged. You don't get dinged if you exceed 8 percent. A good time to snag registered voters for your petitions is in the parking lot of a polling place on the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

There are other factors to consider as well. We've seen candidates' nominating petitions challenged because they used a paper clip and not a more secure fastener. Be sure you're acquainted with the laws that will help your nominating petitions to survive an objection if challenged.

All politics is local, and running for elected office is an excellent way to make a difference in your community. Of the 500,000 elected offices in the United States, a vast majority—493,000—are at the local level. Local elected officials are decision-makers who impact the day-to-day operations of local governments. Local elected officials craft budgets, make zoning decisions, direct public K-12 education, enact local laws and programs, and manage local units of government.

In many communities, however, candidates often run unopposed, or nobody files to run at all, which is why leaders like yourself need to step up and give voters a choice.

Here are important dates for the consolidated election on April 6, 2027, if you are considering running for a local office:

Tuesday, AUGUST 25: The first day for candidates to circulate nominating petitions.

Monday, NOVEMBER 16: First day for candidates to file their original nominating petitions, statement of candidacy, and receipt of filing of a statement of economic interests. Filing typically takes place at the unit of government, e.g., municipal clerk, community college, park district, library, etc. In Cook County, school board candidates file with the Cook County Clerk, 118 N. Clark St., Chicago.

Monday, NOVEMBER 23, 2026: Consolidated election filing period ends. Note: Names are placed on the ballot in the order in which the nominating papers are received; a lottery is held for the first and last spots if multiple candidates’ papers are filed simultaneously in the first and last hours of the filing period.

Monday, NOVEMBER 23, 2026: Last day to file a Statement of Economic Interests. The receipt from the filing must be included with nominating petitions. The county clerk or county board of election commissioners shall notify candidates of acceptance of their nominating petitions within seven days of filing or the last day of filing.

Wednesday, DECEMBER 2, 2026: Last day to file objections to nominating petitions. Note: The objection period consists of five business days. The county officer’s electoral board hears objections to the nominations of candidates for school district offices.

Wednesday, DECEMBER 2, 2026: Last day for ballot placement lottery, held by the county clerk for the first and last spots on the ballot if multiple candidates’ papers are filed simultaneously in the first and last hours of the filing period.

Thursday, JANUARY 28, 2027: Last day candidates may file a Withdrawal of Candidacy in the office of the local election official, election authority, or the State Board of Elections.

Thursday, FEBRUARY 4, 2027: Last day to file a Declaration of Intent to be a write-in candidate with the appropriate election authority or authorities.

Tuesday, APRIL 6, 2027: Consolidated Election. Polls open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesday, APRIL 27, 2027: Last day for the county clerk or county board of election commissioners to canvass (certify) the election results, and transmit the results.

Source: Illinois Association of School Boards

More resources for local candidates:

2026 Cook County Clerk:

• FAQs for Candidate Filing and Objections
• Request to Purchase Copy of Nomination Papers Form
• Statement of Economic Interests form for candidates
• Please complete the Candidate Contact Form and file with your nomination papers or email the form to colleen.gleason@cookcountyil.gov. Do NOT bind with the nomination papers.

2026 Illinois State Board of Elections Guides

• 2027 Candidate’s Guide