Filing to begin with Illinois elections board

SPRINGFIELD — Candidates running in the March 18 primary are set to file candidacy paperwork next week.

Candidates for state office will file nominating petitions with the State Board of Elections in Springfield. County candidates will file with county clerk’s offices that week as well.

The filing period is open through Dec. 2, but the State Board of Elections is closed November 28th and 29th for the Thanksgiving holiday. Candidates’ petitions can be challenged through Dec. 9.

The number of signatures needed on nominating petitions varies by the office being sought. State law requires a Democrat or Republican candidate running for statewide office to collect at least 5,000 signatures. Major party candidates for state representative must collect at least 500 signatures. Candidates for state Senate must collect at least 1,000.