Ward Alderman, Alderman-At-Large, or Mayor — City of Aurora (DuPage portion) — City of Aurora, Illinois — DuPage County portion (Wards 8, 9, 10)
Who Can Run
Be at least 18 years old
Be a U.S. citizen and a registered voter in Aurora
Have lived within Aurora's city limits for at least 1 year before the election
For Ward Alderman: also have lived in your specific ward for at least 1 year
For Mayor or Alderman-At-Large: you may live in any Aurora ward — including the DuPage County wards
What You Need to File
First, confirm your ward using the 'Find My Ward' tool at aurora.il.us. If running for Ward Alderman, you must run in the ward where you live.
Pick up a petition packet from the Aurora City Clerk at 44 E. Downer Place, Aurora (downtown, Kane County side). Packets must be physically picked up — electronic filings are not accepted.
Collect signatures on petition sheets. You may start approximately late July 2026. Ward Alderman: 50 signatures from voters in your ward. Mayor or Alderman-At-Large: 100 signatures from voters anywhere in Aurora.
File a Statement of Economic Interests with the Kane County Clerk (719 S. Batavia Ave., Geneva, IL 60134 | 630-232-5990) — even if you live in the DuPage portion of Aurora. Bring the receipt when you file your nomination papers.
Submit your completed nomination papers to the Aurora City Clerk by approximately October 26, 2026 (exact date TBD). Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Register a political committee with the Illinois State Board of Elections if you raise or spend more than $5,000.
Key Deadlines
Petition circulation opens — earliest you can collect signatures (estimated)
~Late July 2026
Candidate filing window opens (estimated)
~October 19, 2026
Candidate filing deadline (estimated)
~October 26, 2026
Primary (only if more than 4 candidates file for your office)
February 23, 2027
Election day
April 6, 2027
Where to File
City Clerk — City of Aurora, 44 E. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60505 | (630) 256-3030 | aurora.il.us