What it takes to get your name on the February 2027 ballot for alderman. Every step links to the official source. Check each rule with the Board of Elections before you act on it.
What it takes to get on the ballot
Signatures473 registered voters in the ward, at minimum. Campaigns that mean it collect about three times that, because opponents file challenges (WTTW).
PaperworkA Statement of Financial Interests with the Chicago Board of Ethics within five days of qualifying, plus a Statement of Economic Interests with the Cook County Clerk (candidate guide).
MoneyYou only have to form a political committee if you raise or spend more than $5,000 in 12 months (State Board of Elections). We found no filing fee. Confirm that with the Board of Elections.
EligibilityCheck residency and voter registration rules with the Board of Elections before you start collecting.
The dates
Filing opens at 9 a.m. on October 19, 2026 and closes at 5 p.m. on October 26. The election is February 23, 2027. The full list of dates is on the home page, with the source.
Next
See who has filed so far, or look at how the ward is doing so you know what you would be running on. If you live in the ward and want to run, or you would carry a clipboard for someone who does, write to us. We cannot endorse anybody. We can send you the filing rules and a petition checklist.