Numerous inquiries have been made in the Office of the City Clerk requesting information to run for local office.  The City Clerk acts as the Local Election Official for the City of Springfield.  The following information is being provided on this website to quickly and efficiently disseminate information to potential municipal candidates and the public.  The 2011 Municipal Elections include the race for Mayor, City Clerk, City Treasurer and 10 Aldermanic seats.  

  2011 Nonpartison Municipal Candidate's Packet

The Consolidated Primary Election (if required) will be held on February 22, 2011.  The Consolidated General Election will be held on April 5, 2011.  The table below, updated as of July 28, 2010,  indicates the number of signatures that are required to run for Mayor, Clerk, Treasurer or Alderman in the City of Springfield: 

Candidates for municipal office may be circulating nominating petitions on August 24, 2010.  Governor Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 3012 into law on July 6, 2010. This law changes the filing period for Municipal Candidates to November 15 -  22, 2010. 

At the time of filing, each municipal candidate must file the following documents at the Office of the City Clerk: 

1.  Petitions for Nomination – numbered and bound;

2.  A Statement of Candidacy;

3.  A Loyalty Oath (optional);

4.  Statement of Economic Interest Receipt (Filed with the County Clerk's Office).   

  2011 Nonpartison Municipal Candidate's Packet

At the time of filing, candidates will be provided with a D-5 Notice of Obligation, a copy of the Code of Fair Campaign Practices Act and a Receipt for Filing which will include the exact date and time of filing.  In the case of simultaneous filings, a lottery will be conducted to determine ballot placement.  Following any lotteries conducted, objections will be received by this office no later than December 1, 2010.  A Certificate of Ballot will be forwarded to the Sangamon County Clerk's office for the Consolidated Primary Election. 

The Illinois State Board of Elections has indicated that an updated Election Calendar and Candidate’s Guide will be available on their website very soon.  When that information becomes available, it will be posted on this website as well. 

The Office of the City Clerk as the Local Election Official recommends that all prospective candidates consult with competent legal counsel when preparing nominating papers to run for office. 

Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Sangamon County Clerk’s office  at 217/753-6740 or the State Board of Elections in Springfield at 217-782-4141.