Township Offices
Cook County is divided into 30 townships outside of Chicago. Each township is its own small local government — completely separate from the county, city, or school district. Township governments provide general assistance (help for residents in financial need), maintain local roads, and assess property values. Most people don't know they exist, which means these positions often go uncontested.
Township Offices
Offices You Can Run For
- Township Supervisor — the chief executive. Runs day-to-day operations and oversees general assistance programs.
- Township Clerk — keeps official records and meeting minutes.
- Township Assessor — determines property values for tax purposes. ⚠️ Requires a special certification from the Illinois Department of Revenue before you can file — see below.
- Township Highway Commissioner — maintains roads in unincorporated areas of the township.
- Township Trustees (4 seats) — the governing board that approves the budget and provides oversight. All 4 seats are elected at once.
New to running? If you're new to running for office, Township Trustee is one of the best starting points in Cook County. There are 4 seats per township, they're nonpartisan, the signature requirement is typically 25–75 signatures from your neighbors, there's no filing fee, and many seats go completely uncontested.
⚠️ Running for Township Assessor? You must apply for a Certificate of Educational Qualification from the Illinois Department of Revenue (Form PTAX-1176) at least 30 days before the filing deadline — meaning by approximately October 18, 2026. This is a hard requirement. Start the process by late summer 2026.
Who Can Run
What You Need to File
Key Deadlines
Election cycle: Township elections are held in April of odd-numbered years (2027, 2031, etc.) — the same nonpartisan 'consolidated election' as school board races. No primary. You file your petition papers in November of the prior year (estimated November 10–17, 2026 for the April 2027 election).