The first official step to becoming a candidate in Illinois is the completion of the nominating petition. This is a packet of information, required by Illinois State Law, must be filed with the appropriate election authority in a manner and timeframe consistent with Illinois election law. The public is a part of this process- they provide the mandated number of signatures supporting a candidate’s right to run for their desired position. There are stringent rules a candidate must follow to collect said signatures. The petition collection period begins a number of days prior to the election pursuant to Illinois election law.
Here are some FAQ’s to help you understand your possible involvement in the petition signature process.
Q: Do I have to sign a petition if requested by a candidate or their designated circulator?
A: No. You may decline a request to sign a petition. If you do sign a petition request, note which candidate, political party and date of signature for your records.
Q: Do I need to be a registered voter in the district the candidate is running to sign their petition?
A: Yes. You must be a registered voter within the district.
Q: Can a registered voter sign petitions for candidates of more than one political party during the same Primary Election?
A: No. A registered voter may not sign petitions for both parties during the same primary. Examples- One may not sign a petition of a Republican and Democrat running for the same office OR may not sign a Republican’s petition for one office and a Democrat’s petition for another office.
Q: May a voter who voted Republican in the last Primary Election now sign a petition for a Democratic candidate (and vice versa)?
A: Yes; however, no one may sign petitions for candidates of more than one political party for the same Primary Election.
Q: Can a voter sign an established party petition, and a new party and/or independent petition?
A: Yes. A voter may sign an established party candidate’s petition prior to a General Primary Election and after that election, sign a petition of an Independent or new political party candidate prior to a General Election. The voter may not sign a petition of more than one Independent or new political party candidate’s petition for the same office.
Q: Can a voter sign more than one established party candidate’s petition?
A: Yes. A signer can sign petitions for as many candidates of the same established political party as they want, but they cannot sign petitions for different established parties in the same election.
Q: How should I sign the petition?
A: It is best to sign the form using the version of your name and the signature that you used to sign your voter registration form. Fill out each space with accurate information and avoid using terms like “ditto.”
Q: Does signing a petition mean I have to vote for this person?
A: No. You have the right to vote for the candidate of your choice regardless of petitions signed. Signing a petition says you support this person’s right to run for the elected position only.
Q: Can members of the League of Women Voters of Naperville, a non-partisan group, sign petitions?
A: Yes and No. The vast number of members may indeed sign petitions in accordance with Illinois law. Certain positions within the organization- such as President, Issues & Advocacy Chair and Voter Service Chair may not sign petitions.