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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Braves 5th/6th Grade Shutout Paris in JFL home finale
WATCH: Pritzker creates governors group as IL legislators debate increased energy bills
Attorneys general file amicus brief supporting DEI policies
Illinois lawmaker, physician pushes back on Trump Tylenol announcement
Illinois quick hits: Nearly 10,000 fewer jobs; temporary amnesty for delinquent taxpayers
Election organization backs Republicans’ suit against Arizona
Patel says ICE shooting suspected searched ‘Charlie Kirk Shot,’ planned attack
Trump administration prepares for mass layoffs if government shuts down
Report: Strict energy siting regulations curb property tights
New agronomy farm opens as growers face challenging conditions
Illinois quick hits: O’Fallon man allegedly work with cartel; most dangerous for nursing home safety
Watchdog says Biden Education Department defied court order on Title IX enforcement
