Primary election filing to begin Monday for Illinois Dem, GOP candidates
(The Center Square) – Candidates hoping for a spot on 2026 primary election ballots are expected to line up Monday outside the Illinois State Board of Elections in Springfield.
Monday is the first day of the filing period for Democrats and Republicans seeking state and federal offices in Illinois. Candidates often arrive early, hoping to secure a favorable spot on the primary ballot.
Illinois State Board of Elections Public Information Officer Matt Dietrich said candidates running for federal or state legislative seats, statewide offices or judicial posts have one week to turn in their signatures.
“They all file with us starting Oct. 27, so they’ll be at our building from Oct. 27 through Nov. 3, filing their nominating petitions with us,” Dietrich told The Center Square.
Dietrich said candidates are not done once they file.
“Filing is not the final step. There’s a whole objection process that candidates have to survive in order to be on that ballot,” Dietrich added.
Dietrich said objections can be filed from Nov. 3 to Nov. 10.
“If someone believes that a certain candidate has not filed the required number of registered voter signatures on their petitions, they will file an objection. If they believe someone has not properly filed their paperwork, in other words, they haven’t included a required statement of economic interest or receipt for a statement of economic interest, they can file an objection,” Dietrich explained.
The State Board of Elections rules on the objections, but appeals can last for months in court. Dietrich said appeals can even extend into the early voting period, causing problems for county clerks who prepare the ballots.
Independents and candidates from other parties do not have primaries and won’t begin collecting signatures until Feb. 25, 2026. Filing for these candidates is May 18-25, 2026.
The 2026 Candidates Guide is available on the Illinois State Election Board’s website.
Partly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Illinois quick hits: State keeps more tax revenue, locals get less
Frankfort School District 157-C Proposes $41.6 Million Tax Levy
U.S. House vote on employee bargaining met with ‘political theater’ criticism
Hog producer: 2025 was strong, but IL legislature needs to address estate tax
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Township Board for Nov. 17, 2025
Trump to remove National Guard members from Chicago, LA, Portland
Illinois’ compact fluorescent bulb ban begins to take effect
Illinois quick hits: SBA sues Chicago over online betting tax
Illinois Congressman: Millions face higher premiums despite GOP health bill
Jan. 1 law lets Illinois veterinarians skip rabies shots for at-risk pets
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Public Library District Board for Nov. 20, 2025
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 for December 18, 2025
