On this page, both new and returning candidates can find important election information and filing deadlnes as well as utilize the Clerk's Candidate Statement Tool and first of it's kind, Running for Office Starter Kit.
Candidates can also find links to the official 2018 Candidate's Guide and Election and Campaign Finanace Calendar.
Important Dates and Signature Requirements
for the November 6, 2018 Gubernatorial Election
Candidate Filing Dates & Deadlines
Tuesday, March 27: First day to circulate petitions for independent candidates, new party candidates and nonpartisan candidates.
Monday, June 4: Last day for appointee by established managing committee to file documents when no candidate was nominated at the Primary election.
Monday, June 11: Last day to file objections to a resolution to fill a vacancy when no candidate was nominated at the Primary election.
Monday, June 18 – Monday June 25: Candidate filing period for new political parties, independent candidates and nonpartisan candidates.
Monday, July 2: Last day for filing objections to nomination papers of candidates who filed during the June 18 – 25 filing period. Objections are filed with the election authority where the nomination papers were originally filed.
Thursday, September 6: Last day to file a notarized Declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate (5 p.m).
Running for Office Starter Kit
The Cook County Clerk’s office has created the free Running for Office Starter Kit (RFO) to allow suburban Cook County residents to view the elected offices they are eligible to run for and receive the necessary information and documentation to complete the challenging process of running for office.
Candidate Statement Tool
The Cook County Clerk’s Office invites all candidates in suburban Cook County to submit a statement to be included in our online Voter Information guide. This is a free opportunity to tell voters – in your own words – about your background and positions.