Election Timeline
Key dates for the April 2027 Marengo Ward 4 alderman race — from when petition signatures can be collected to election day.
Petition Signatures
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Signature collection opens
Illinois law allows nominating petition signatures to be collected
starting 90 days before the filing deadline (10 ILCS 5/10-4). Only a
small number of valid signatures from registered Ward 4 voters are
required to appear on the ballot — I'll be collecting a comfortable
cushion above the minimum. If you're a registered Ward 4 voter, I'll
be asking for your signature this fall.
Monday, November 16, 2026
Petition filing window opens
Candidates submit their nominating petitions to the city clerk during
an 8-day window (Nov 16–23, inclusive; 6 business days). A small number of valid signatures from registered
Ward 4 voters is required to appear on the ballot.
Monday, November 23, 2026
Petition filing deadline
Last day to file nominating petitions. After this date, the ballot
is set. If you haven't signed yet and want to help me get on the
ballot, make sure to sign before this date.
Voting
Thursday, February 25, 2027
Early voting begins
Early voting is available at McHenry County Clerk locations starting
40 days before election day. No excuse required — any registered
voter can cast a ballot early. Early voting runs through Monday,
April 5, 2027 (the day before Election Day).
Monday, March 9, 2027
Voter registration deadline (by mail)
To vote in the April election, your registration must be postmarked
by this date. Online registration closes March 22 (March 21 is a
Sunday; under 10 ILCS 5/1-6, the deadline shifts to the next business
day). Grace period in-person registration is available through election
day at the McHenry County Clerk's office.
Thursday, April 1, 2027
Mail ballot request deadline
Last day to request a mail-in ballot by mail. Applications can be
submitted starting January 6, 2027 (90 days before the election).
In-person mail ballot applications are accepted at the McHenry County
Clerk's office through Monday, April 5, 2027. Mail ballots must be
postmarked by election day and can be received and counted up to
14 days afterward.
Tuesday, April 6, 2027
Election Day
Polls open at 6 AM and close at 7 PM. Any registered Ward 4 voter
in line by 7 PM will be allowed to vote. Ward 4 has traditionally
voted at Marengo City Hall (upstairs), but polling places can change —
confirm yours before election day at the Illinois Polling Place Lookup.
Dates are calculated from Illinois statute — key sources: 10 ILCS 5/10-3
(petition signatures), 10 ILCS 5/10-4 (90-day circulation), 10 ILCS
5/10-6(2) as amended by P.A. 103-0586 (141/134-day filing window), 10 ILCS
5/1-6 (weekend/holiday deadline shift), 10 ILCS 5/19A-15 (early voting),
10 ILCS 5/19-2 (mail ballot requests), 10 ILCS 5/4-6 (registration
deadlines), 10 ILCS 5/17-1 (poll hours). All dates are subject to official
confirmation — verify with the Marengo City Clerk or the McHenry County
Clerk's office before acting on them.