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.
Sunny
Latest News Stories
Better-than-expected inflation report generates cut predictions
Op-Ed: 340B needs transparency to fulfill Its mission
India’s Reliance says it will abide with sanctions on Russian oil purchases
From Creative Cells to Chemical Reactions: Science in Action
Marshall Edges Lady Warriors in Thrilling Senior Night Matchup
Critics warn Illinois’ ‘megaproject’ tax breaks shift costs to taxpayers
WATCH: Pritzker creates accountability commission amid increased immigration enforcement
Casey City Council Passes Ordinance Holding Parents Responsible for Minors’ Vandalism
Illinois quick hits: Report: $17,300 state debt per person; Metro East crime suppression operations
Trump suspends trade talks with Canada over Ronald Reagan ad
Lake Land College to Invest $195,000 in Advanced Farming Equipment
WATCH: Trump touts counter-narco operations during law enforcement roundtable
