Objections to Nominating Petitions
Under Illinois state law, local jurisdictions, including cities, villages, counties and others holding elections for public office must convene an electoral board to rule on candidacy objections filed to contest an individual’s eligibility to seek election.
Nomination papers shall be deemed to be valid unless objections are filed in writing (an original and one copy) against:
- All candidates (except precinct committeemen) within five business days after the last day for filing nomination papers.
- Precinct committeemen within nine business days after the last day for filing nomination papers.
The objector’s petitions are filed with the same office in which the nominating papers are filed.
Electoral Boards
Electoral boards are designated for the purpose of hearing and passing upon the objector’s petition. The meeting of the electoral board shall not be less than three nor more than five days after receipt of the objector's petition by the chairman of the electoral board. Within 10 days after the decision of the electoral board, the candidate or objector aggrieved by the decision may file a petition for judicial review with the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Court hearings are to be held within 30 days after the filing of the petition and a decision delivered promptly thereafter.
