How often is City Council elected?

The position of City Council is typically elected every 4 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 shall be signed by qualified voters of the district or ward equal to not less than 5% nor more than 8% (or 50 more than the minimum, whichever is greater) of the total number of votes cast at the preceding general or general municipal election.

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the County Clerk's office.

Where is the filing office?

404 Elm St, Suite 104, Rockford, IL 61101

How can I get in touch with the filing office?

You can contact the filing office by calling 815-319-4250.

How do I get started running for City Council?

You can start running for City Council 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 City Council does not include a primary or runoff election.

How to Run for City Council in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois

About City Council

About this position

The City Legislature is the municipality's governing body, responsible for voting on ordinances and policies, and often is in charge of hiring a city manager.

Office level: City
Election frequency: Every 4 years
Affiliation: Partisan

Election type

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

How to run for City Council

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
Candidate must be a qualified elector of the municipality and have 1 year of residency in the municipality preceding the election. Must not be in arrears in payment of tax or other indebtedness due to the municipality. Must not have been convicted of an infamous crime, bribery, perjury or other felony.
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
No filing fee; Signature requirement shall be signed by qualified voters of the district or ward equal to not less than 5% nor more than 8% (or 50 more than the minimum, whichever is greater) of the total number of votes cast at the preceding general or general municipal election.
Filing period
November 11, 2024 - November 18, 2024
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the County Clerk's office.
Where to file
404 Elm St, Suite 104, Rockford, IL 61101
Filing phone
815-319-4250
Step 3
Launch your campaign
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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.

Candidates for City Council

Learn about candidates who have filed to run for City Council.

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 Rockford.

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 Rockford's next election?

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

Check your voter registration

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Find your polling location

Learn where to go to vote in person.

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Request a mail-in ballot

Apply for an absentee ballot to vote by mail.

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How to Run for City Council in Rockford, IL

About City Council

About this position

Election type

How to run for City Council

Meet eligibility requirements

File for office

Launch your campaign

Candidates for City Council

What this symbol means

Who's currently in office

What this symbol means

Are you ready for Rockford's next election?

Check your voter registration

Find your polling location

Request a mail-in ballot

How to Run for City Council: Requirements, Duties, and Steps

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