The City of Des Plaines offers helpful links to potential candidates, making it easy to access important information. People with specific filing questions should confer with a legal representative.

Important Dates for the March 17, 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election 

Candidate Filing Dates & Deadlines

• Tuesday, February 17: First day to circulate petitions for established political party candidates.
• Monday, October 27 - Monday, November 3: Nomination paper filing period for established political party candidates.
•  Monday, November 10: Last day for filing objections to nomination papers of candidates who filed during the October 27 – November 3 filing period.
  • Last day to withdraw for candidates who filed for incompatible offices.
• Wednesday, November 12: Last day to conduct established party ballot placement lottery.
• Thursday, January 8: Last day to file withdrawal papers with the State Board of Elections.
• Thursday, January 14: Last day to file a Withdrawal of Candidacy with the County Clerk.
• Thursday, January 15: Last day to file a notarized declaration of intent to be a write–in candidate.

Please Note: The legal interpretations therein are not necessarily those of the Clerk or the City of Des Plaines, Illinois.

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