Will County Clerk Announces 2026 Candidate's Guide

WILL COUNTY, IL — Will County Clerk Annette Parker has announced that the 2026 Illinois Candidate's Guide and Election calendar is now available for viewing on the Clerk's website for the March 17, 2026, primary election.

The Candidate’s Guide offers information for those seeking to run for office in the 2026 Guberatorial Primary Election and includes details on nomination procedures and the objection process.

The primary is March 17, 2026, and the general election day is then Nov. 3, 2026.

Nominating petition packets will be available on the Will County Clerk’s website, willcountyclerk.gov or in person at the Will County Clerk’s Office located at 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet, starting on July 23, according to the Clerk's Office. Candidates may download copies of their petitions and prepare them for circulation.

By law, candidates cannot collect signatures until Aug. 5. The Illinois State Board of Elections strongly recommends that all prospective candidates consult with competent legal counsel when preparing their nomination papers, the Clerk's Office said.

Petition filing period for established party candidates for the March 17 Primary Election is from Oct. 27 through Nov. 3.

Candidate nominating petition packets for established political parties running for offices in Will County include: County Clerk, Regional Superintendent of Schools, Sheriff, Treasurer, County Board Members Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11 and Precinct Committeepersons.