108: Election Special!

Summer of 2026 is upon us, and election season is kicking off as spirited candidates, trusted election authorities, and municipalities across Illinois seek to address a host of complex issues. Local election officials and electoral boards have many responsibilities to make elections happen, from processing nomination papers to convening quasi-adjudicative hearings. Meanwhile, local governments must navigate the enforcement of political sign regulations, electioneering laws, and the strict rules governing the use of public funds in referenda. To help listeners tackle these issues, Ancel Glink's Erin Monforti and Katie Nagy revisit classic insights from equity partner Keri-Lyn Krafthefer and provide vital updates for the 2027 Consolidated Election cycle. What issues does your local government face during election season? Email us at [email protected]. In This Episode Independent vs. Nonpartisan Candidates: Understand the critical legal distinctions between these two types of candidates and how they appear on the ballot. The 2027 Election Timeline: Key dates for the February 23, 2027, Consolidated Primary and the April 6, 2027, Consolidated Election, including petition circulation and filing windows. Objection Procedures & "Business Days": How to calculate the five-business-day objection deadline, especially with the Thanksgiving 2026 holiday. Electoral Board Mechanics: A deep dive into the "24-hour call" rule, the composition of the board, and the requirement to deliberate in open session. Strategic Scheduling: Practical advice for clerks on the "strategic receipt" of objection petitions to ensure boards can meet within statutory deadlines. Setting Compensation: Why local governments must set compensation for newly elected officials at least 180 days before their terms begin. New Laws: Updates on Public Act 104-443 (redacting candidate addresses) and Public Act 104-438 (prohibiting meetings on election days). Public Funds & Referenda: Guidelines on what constitutes "factual information" versus prohibited advocacy when units of local government are involved in public questions. FOIA & Arrest Records: A review of PAC Opinion 26-006 regarding the public's right to access arrest records involving public figures. Resources PAC Finds Police Department Violated FOIA in Withholding Investigative Records It's Time to Establish Elected Officials' Compensation for Terms Starting in 2025 Special Considerations About Establishing Compensation of Elected Officials 2027 Illinois State Board of Elections "Running for Office" Directory Credits Producer: Daniel J. Bolin, Kathleen Hynan Executive Producer: Keri-Lyn Krafthefer Chair: Erin Monforti Guest: Katherine Nagy Engineers: Ricardo Perez, Matt Smith Disclaimer: This podcast is provided as a service to our public and private sector clients and friends. It is intended to provide timely general information of interest but should not be considered a substitute for legal advice. Read our full disclaimer: www.ancelglink.com/disclaimers.