Run for Local Office

Your guide to getting on the ballot

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City Council Member or Mayor

Select your city or village to see the specific requirements for running.

City Council Member or Mayor

Filing Fee: No filing fee in most municipalities — confirm with your clerk Term: 4-year terms typical — confirm with your clerk Seats: Varies by municipality — typically 3 trustee seats per cycle in a standard 6-trustee village board Election: April 6, 2027

✓ Who Can Run

Be at least 18 years old
Be a U.S. citizen and a registered voter in your municipality
Reside within the municipality (and ward or district, if applicable) you want to represent
Check with your municipality's clerk — some home-rule municipalities have additional local requirements

📋 What You Need to File

Contact your city or village clerk first — they are your primary resource and will give you the exact signature count, filing deadlines, and petition forms for your specific municipality.
Collect petition signatures from registered voters in your municipality. The standard formula is 5% of votes cast at the last election for that office, minimum 25 signatures. Your clerk will give you the exact number.
Starting approximately August 2026, circulate your petition sheets. Collect at least 2x the minimum as a buffer against challenges.
File your notarized Statement of Candidacy and petition papers with your city or village clerk during the filing window (estimated November 2026 — confirm exact dates with your clerk).
File a Statement of Economic Interests.
Register a political committee with the Illinois State Board of Elections if you raise or spend more than $5,000.

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📅 Key Deadlines

Petition circulation begins (estimated) ~August 2026
Filing window (estimated) ~November 2026
Election day April 6, 2027

📍 Where to File

Your city or village clerk's office. The Cook County Clerk (69 W. Washington St., Chicago | (312) 603-0900 | cookcountyclerkil.gov) can help identify your municipality's clerk.

🔗 Helpful Links

Cook County Clerk — Candidates & Officials → Illinois Municipal League — Find Your Municipality → Illinois State Board of Elections — Running for Office →

Last updated: 2026-04-18

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