Earliest filing period ever for statewide election, Clerk Orr says
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
The 2008 Primary Election season officially kicks off on October 29, 2007 when candidates can begin filing nominating petitions, Cook County Clerk David Orr said on Tuesday.
“This will mark the earliest start ever for an Illinois election,” Orr said. “It’s sure to be an exciting few months throughout the state, particularly in Cook County.”
The Illinois primary will be held February 5, 2008, six weeks earlier than the last statewide primary. It is the earliest primary in state history. Because of the change in the primary date, the filing period for most candidates has been moved from December to October, said Orr, noting that early voting begins January 14, 2008.
Candidates seeking the following Cook County offices will file nominating papers with the Clerk’s office: state’s attorney, circuit court clerk, recorder of deeds, water reclamation district commissioner (three seats), board of review member (2nd and 3rd districts). Ward committeemen for all 50 wards in Chicago will also file papers with Orr’s office.
Candidates or their representatives can file nominating papers beginning at 9 a.m. in the lower level of the Cook County Administration Building, 69 W. Washington St., Chicago. People will be allowed to enter the lower level beginning at 6 a.m., Orr said.
“All candidates waiting in line when we open our office doors at 9 a.m. will have their papers stamped with the same time. If there are multiple candidates seeking the same office who file simultaneously, we will hold a lottery to determine whose name appears first on the February ballot.”
The lottery is set for 10 a.m., Thursday, November 8, 2007, in the front counter area of the Clerk’s office, located on the fifth floor of 69 W. Washington St.
The last day to file petitions for county offices is Monday, November 5, 2007.
“Beginning Monday, and throughout the filing period, my office will update our website for those interested in seeing which candidates have filed,” Orr said.