Candidate Filing Information

Filing Instructions

The first day for candidates to file petitions for office for the 2024 General Primary Election is Monday, November 27. The last day to file is Monday, December 4. Our office will be open from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. On the last day to file we will stay open until 5:00 pm.

A Candidate Data form is required from all who file to run for office. Filers are encouraged to complete this form ahead of time. If a Filer is filing for multiple candidates, this form is required for each candidate. Filers may complete this form at our office when they come in on filing day(s), however, this will save quite a bit of wait time if completed in advance. Please print clearly.

The County Clerk's Office does not notarize election-related documents or forms. Please have all appropriate forms notarized before you file. Failure to have documents and forms notarized will result in the filer losing their place in line.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE FIRST DAY TO FILE, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR A POSSIBLE LOTTERY PROCEEDING

During the filing period, filers may file any time of the day between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. On the last day to file, filing is extended to 5:00 pm. However, if you wish to qualify for a possible Lottery proceeding, you must be in line before 8:00 am. Please read the following important bullet points:

  • The filing process will begin in the hall in front of Room 102 of the County Clerk's office
  • A filer is NOT considered to be in line if just walking in the building at 8:00 am.
  • We will have an atomic clock set and monitored under the supervision of Democratic and Republican Election Judges.
  • At precisely 8:00 am, an Election Judge will stand behind the last 8:00 am filer.
  • After signing in, filers will receive a numbered card and then be directed downstairs where they will be processed in numerical order.
  • In order to file properly, the filer will remain downstairs until their number has been called by staff who will then process their paperwork.

ON ALL OTHER FILING DAYS, INCLUDING THE LAST DAY TO FILE:

Filers petition forms will be processed in the County Clerk's office, 115 E. Washington St., Room 102, Bloomington, IL.

A lottery proceeding, to determine the order of appearance of candidates names on the ballot, will only be required if more than one candidate for the same elected office and party filed petitions simultaneously at 8:00 am on the first day to file (Monday, November 27) or between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm on the last day to file (Monday, December 4). Pursuant to [10 ILCS 5/7-12(6)].

Forms and Documents


overview for petiton packets 2024

2024 candidate guide

2024 election calendar

Select the party/candidate type below to download Candidate Packets and to view filing information.


2024 county board packet Opens in new window2024 county wide packet Opens in new window2024 precinct committeeperson packet Opens in new window

Filing

Location: Government Center, Community Room (take elevators to the basement and follow signs)
When: The first day of filing is Nov. 27, 2023. The last day of filing is Dec. 4, 2023. Filing begins at 8:00 am.
Who Files with the County Clerk: All McLean County candidates, including City of Bloomington candidates, file with the County Clerk's Office
Who Files with the State Board of Elections: State Representatives, State Senators, Congressional Candidates, Judges, Regional Superintendents of Schools, Delegates and Alternate Delegates to National Nominating Conventions

*Note: The County Clerk's Office does not notarize nominating papers.

Calendar

The dates below are taken from the Illinois State Board of Elections 2024 Election Calendar representing candidate information only. For the full calendar, please download the document. Voter-specific dates can be found on the 2024 Elections page and the Elections homepage.