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 2019 Candidate's Guide and Election and Campaign Finanace Calendar.
Important Dates and Signature Requirements
for the February 26, 2019 Consolidated Primary Election
Candidate Filing Dates & Deadlines
Tuesday, August 28: First day to circulate petitions for established political parties and nonpartisan candidates (municipalities)
Monday, November 19 – Monday, November 26: Petition filing period for established political party candidates & nonpartisan candidates (municipalities)
Monday, December 3: Last day for filing objections to nomination papers of candidates who filed during the November 19 – November 26 filing period
*Last day to withdraw (incompatible offices)
Wednesday, December 7: Last day to conduct ballot placement lottery
Thursday, December 20: Last day to file a Withdrawal of Candidacy with the local election official
Thursday, December 27: Last day to file a notarized declaration of intent to be a write–in candidate (5 p.m.)
Important Dates and Signature Requirements
for the April 2, 2019 Consolidated Election
Candidate Filing Dates & Deadlines
Tuesday, September 18: First day to circulate petitions for independent, new political parties and nonpartisan offices
Monday, December 3: Municipal Caucus for municipalities which have established political parties (under 5,000 population)
Monday, December 10 – Monday, December 17: Petition filing period for nomination petitions of new political parties, nonpartisan and independent candidates as well as certificates of nomination for established party caucus candidates
Monday, December 24: Last day to file objections to nomination petitions of new political party, nonpartisan and independent candidates as well as certificates of nomination for established party caucus candidates who filed during the December 10 – 17 filing period *Last day to withdraw (incompatible offices)
Wednesday, December 26: Last day to conduct ballot placement lottery
Thursday, January 24: Last day to file a Withdrawal of Candidacy with the local election official or authority
Thursday, January 31: 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.