Ancel Glink released Quorum Forum Podcast Episode 108: Quorum Forum 108: Election Special!

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.  

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.