Ready or not, election season is upon us

If you notice among the trick-or-treaters who knock on your door Wednesday a few really tall kids who are short on costume creativity, they might be looking for votes instead of candy.

Actually, that's a touch of hyperbole. Few political candidates are likely to be conducting door-to-door campaigns this week. But they will be soon -- very soon -- as Illinois kicks off its earliest-ever primary campaign season.

Those seeking a variety of county, state and federal offices have until Monday to file the nominating petitions that will reserve them a spot on the Feb. 5 primary ballot.

Illinois legislators, you may recall, voted several months ago to move the state's primary from its traditional mid-March timeslot all the way up to the first Tuesday in February.

The rationale -- trying to restore a voice for Illinois voters as presidential nominations are decided earlier and earlier -- is legitimate, even if tailoring the early primary for one specific candidate -- Barack Obama -- is questionable.

But moving the primary to an earlier date also means moving a lot of related activities to earlier dates. Candidates who used to file nominating petitions in mid-December now must do so by Nov. 5. Intensive campaigning usually conducted during late January and throughout February now will begin during the holidays, when many prospective voters are focusing time and energy elsewhere.

All of which means that voters, if they're not careful, could be caught unaware. What's important to know, for now, is that primary voters will be casting ballots that will determine each party's nominees for several federal, state and county offices. Winners of the Feb. 5 balloting will then square off in the November 2008 general election.

Which offices are involved? The one statewide race is for a U.S. Senate seat, held by Democrat Dick Durbin, who is seeking re-election. Every U.S. House of Representatives seat could be contested, including those of suburban incumbents Peter Roskam, Melissa Bean, Jan Schakowsky, Mark Kirk, Judy Biggert and Donald Manzullo. They all will be running again. But there will be a primary and general election battle of newcomers in the far-western suburban district now represented by former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, who has announced his retirement.

In addition, those who vote on Feb. 5 will determine party nominees for all Illinois House districts and for many state Senate seats. In light of the past year's events in Springfield, these races could be among the most important.

Details vary from county to county, but many primary voters also will help select party nominees for such offices as state's attorney, clerk, recorder of deeds and -- in some cases -- county board. A few judicial seats will be on the ballot.

The last day to register to vote in the primary will be Jan. 8. The first day of early voting will be Jan. 14. Those who value their role in choosing representatives will want to start watching closely now -- even if it does seem too early.