How often is Trial Court Judge elected?

The position of Trial Court Judge is typically elected every 6 years.

What does it mean for an election to be partisan?

Partisan elections require candidates to declare a party affiliation, like Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Independent.

What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in Illinois?

No filing fee; signature requirement of at least the number of signatures equal to 0.25% of the qualified primary electors of his or her party in the applicable circuit or subcircuit, but no less than 500 signatures. Independent candidates need 5% or total voters in the preceding general election in the circuit or subcircuit, but no more than 25,000.

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the State Board of Elections' office.

Where is the filing office?

2329 S. MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, Illinois 62704

How can I get in touch with the filing office?

You can contact the filing office by calling 217-782-4141.

How do I get started running for Trial Court Judge?

You can start running for Trial Court Judge by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!

Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?

The next election for Trial Court Judge does not include a primary or runoff election.

Trial Court Judge in Illinois

Candidates for Trial Court Judge

Learn about candidates who have filed to run for Trial Court Judge.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Who's currently in office

Learn about who represents you in Illinois.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Are you ready for Illinois's next election?

Get registered and ready to vote, whether in person or by mail.

Check your voter registration

Verify your voter registration in under a minute.

Check my registration

Find your polling location

Learn where to go to vote in person.

Find my polling place

Request a mail-in ballot

Apply for an absentee ballot to vote by mail.

Request my ballot

About Trial Court Judge

About this position

This District or Circuit Court Judge is responsible for adjudicating cases in Civil and Criminal Courts at the trial-level.

Office level: State
Election frequency: Every 6 years
Affiliation: Partisan
Positions: 1 open seat

Election type

Partisan election (party labels appear on ballots)
Run-off election

How to run for Trial Court Judge

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
Candidate must be at least 21 years of age, a licensed attorney-at-law in Illinois, a registered voter, and a resident of the district.
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
No filing fee; signature requirement of at least the number of signatures equal to 0.25% of the qualified primary electors of his or her party in the applicable circuit or subcircuit, but no less than 500 signatures. Independent candidates need 5% or total voters in the preceding general election in the circuit or subcircuit, but no more than 25,000.
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the State Board of Elections' office.
Where to file
2329 S. MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, Illinois 62704
Filing phone
217-782-4141
Step 3
Launch your campaign
A real campaign starts with a real plan. Get a custom campaign plan from GoodParty.org, personalized for your race and district.
Get started

Need help? You don't have to run alone. Join the GoodParty.org Community to get advice from real independents who have run and won.

Trial Court Judge in Illinois

On the ballot

Candidates for Trial Court Judge

What this symbol means

Who's currently in office

What this symbol means

Are you ready for Illinois's next election?

Check your voter registration

Find your polling location

Request a mail-in ballot

About Trial Court Judge

About this position

Election type

How to run for Trial Court Judge

Meet eligibility requirements

File for office

Launch your campaign

How to Run for Judge

2026 Political Campaign Playbook

Get free training and support

About this guide

Find more elections near you