Summer of 2026 is upon us, and election season is kicking
off as spirited candidates, trusted election authorities, and municipalities
across Illinois seek to address a host of complex issues. Local election
officials and electoral boards have many responsibilities to make elections
happen, from processing nomination papers to convening quasi-adjudicative
hearings. Meanwhile, local governments must navigate the enforcement of
political sign regulations, electioneering laws, and the strict rules governing
the use of public funds in referenda.

To help listeners tackle these issues, Ancel Glink’s Erin Monforti and Katie Nagy revisit
classic insights from equity partner Keri-Lyn
Krafthefer and provide vital updates for the 2027 Consolidated Election cycle. What
issues does your local government face during election season? Email us at podcast@ancelglink.com.   

In This Episode

  • Independent
    vs. Nonpartisan Candidates:     Understand the critical legal distinctions
    between these two types of candidates and how they appear on the ballot.
  • The
    2027 Election Timeline:     Key dates for the February 23, 2027,
    Consolidated Primary     and the April 6, 2027, Consolidated Election,
    including petition circulation and filing windows.
  • Objection
    Procedures & “Business Days”:     How to calculate the
    five-business-day objection deadline, especially with the Thanksgiving
    2026 holiday.
  • Electoral
    Board Mechanics:     A deep dive into the “24-hour call” rule,
    the composition of the board, and the requirement to deliberate in open
    session.
  • Strategic
    Scheduling:     Practical advice for clerks on the “strategic
    receipt” of objection petitions to ensure boards can meet within
    statutory deadlines.
  • Setting
    Compensation:     Why local governments must set compensation for newly
    elected officials at least 180 days before their terms begin.
  • New
    Laws:     Updates on Public Act 104-443 (redacting candidate addresses)
    and Public Act 104-438 (prohibiting meetings on election days).
  • Public
    Funds & Referenda:     Guidelines on what constitutes “factual
    information” versus prohibited advocacy when units of local
    government are involved in public questions.
  • FOIA
    & Arrest Records:     A review of PAC Opinion 26-006 regarding the
    public’s right to access arrest records involving public figures.

Resources

Credits

Disclaimer: This podcast is provided as a service to
our public and private sector clients and friends. It is intended to provide
timely general information of interest but should not be considered a
substitute for legal advice. Read our full disclaimer: www.ancelglink.com/disclaimers.