Candidates begin filing petitions for Illinois' 2024 March primary election

Candidates began to file petitions Monday to secure their spots in Illinois’ 2024 March primary election.

During a week-long period ending Dec. 4, candidates for local, state, congressional and judicial races will turn in the signatures they have collected over the past two months. The number of signatures required varies by office sought.

Candidates who filed Monday will be eligible for the top spots on the ballots in their respective races, depending on the jurisdiction where they filed, according to Illinois election officials.

The 2024 primary will feature all U.S. House districts in Illinois, along with all State Representative districts and 20 of the state’s 58 State Senate seats.

Candidates for congressional, legislative and judicial offices or for any office that will be elected by the voters of multiple counties, will file in State Board of Election’s principal office in Springfield, according to the State Board of Elections website.

Those intending to run for county offices, ward committeeperson and precinct committeeperson will file paperwork with their county clerk.

Candidates who get in line before 8 a.m. will be entered into a lottery to receive the top spot on the ballot. The drawing is planned for Dec. 13.

The 2024 primary is on Tuesday, March 19.