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.
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
New Lenox Fire District Secures $35,000 Grant for UTV in Solar Farm Agreement
Meeting Summary: New Lenox Fire Protection District for June 16, 2025
Will County Committee Forwards Overhauled Purchasing Code Amid Debate on Local Contractor Preference
Finance Officials Clarify How Will County Tracks Assets, From Vehicles to Desks
Will County Treasurer Confirms Free Online Tax Payment Option, Warns Against High Credit Card Fees
Committee Highlights ‘Lack of Teeth’ in County Code Enforcement Process
Committee Highlights ‘Lack of Teeth’ in County Code Enforcement Process
Meeting Briefs: Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for July 22, 2025
New Lenox’s Crossroads Sports Complex Opens to Rave Reviews, On Time and Under Budget
New Lenox Waives Over $13,000 in Permit Fees for Park District, Church Projects
New Lenox Approves Site Plan for MBPRO Truck Repair on Moni Drive
Meeting Summary: New Lenox Board of Trustees for July 14, 2025
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees for June 10, 2025
Frankfort Fire District Projects $350,000 Surplus, But Faces Capital Crunch for New Engine
