The time to start gathering signatures for the April 2027 election is only a month away. The Election Code is replete with very specific requirements, and failure to comply can lead to ugly contests in the courts.

Local Election Officials and candidates should be mindful of three important resources. First, the Illinois State Board of Elections Candidate’s Guide furnishes information on what forms to use and various deadlines. It can be found on the Illinois State Board of Elections website. A second resource is your local county website, which also provides similar information for Local Election Officials and candidates. Finally, a third resource is an attorney experienced in election matters. This area of the law can be complicated and can lead to expensive contests in the public. For example, what is required to create a new political party? Which is the correct petition? Should clerks advise on petitions that are being filed? The attorney should be able to help you navigate the possible pitfalls and take care of issues on the front end.

Make sure to consult your Tressler attorney if you have questions or need guidance with your election issues!

For more information about this article, please contact Tressler attorney Erik Peck at epeck@tresslerllp.com.

About the Author

Erik R. Peck concentrates his practice primarily on the representation of municipalities, municipal boards and committees, townships, and other special districts serving as general counsel. In representing various municipal bodies, he has had extensive experience in planning and zoning matters as well as fire and police commission matters, hiring, discipline, PSEBA, PEDA, FLSA, and other public safety matters. With a local government law practice that extends over 25 years, Erik has a considerable depth of knowledge in a broad array of matters such as intergovernmental agreements, real estate, land use and zoning, economic development, capital development and construction, annexation, boundary disputes and board governance, as well as drafting and negotiating leases, licenses, easements, and intergovernmental agreements.  He regularly furnishes advice to his clients on drafting and negotiating procurement contracts, Open Meetings Act (OMA), Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), records retention, finance, appropriations, tax levies, election issues, tax obligations, ethics, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and other employment issues. Click here to read Erik’s full attorney bio.