Want to Run for Local Government? Here's How

On April 9, 2013, Oak Forest residents will head to the polls to shape city government, as several important posts are up for election.

Early in December, it's not confirmed who will run for which roles, but Patch spoke with Oak Forest City Clerk Scott Berkhardt about what residents interested in running have to do to get their name placed on the ballot.

Positions up for election include:

• Mayor
• City Clerk
• City Treasurer 
• Alderman positions in Wards 2, 4 and 6. 

Each position is a four-year term.

Aldermen Rich Simon (Ward 2) and Chuck Toland (Ward 4) will seek another term, along with Mayor Hank Kuspa and City Clerk Scott Burkhardt. It's unknown if Alderman Peter Muscarella and Treasurer Dwayne Fox will run for reelection.

Any person seeking election to a city office or alermanic seat, must gather signatures. Each office or position requires a minimum of 5 percent of signatures of the total number of votes cast for that specific position in the previous election. The total number of signatures gathered should not exceed 8 percent of total votes cast in the previous election.

A breakdown of each office or position up for election on April 9, 2013 can be found below.

All signatures and petitions for those seeking public office must be turned into the City Clerk's office between Monday, Dec. 17 and Wednesday, Dec. 26, at 5 p.m. 

A complete listing of all the requirements needed to become an elected official can be found in the State of Illinois Candidate's Guide 2013, or online at www.elections.il.gov.