Kankakee, IL – With the 2026 General Primary Election on the horizon, Kankakee County is preparing for a busy election cycle. Local residents considering a run for office in the March 17, 2026, primary can start the process as early as August.
According to the Kankakee County Clerk’s office, nominating petition packets for county offices will be available starting August 5. Candidates may pick up the packets in person at 189 East Court Street in Kankakee or download them from the county’s official website. The first day to circulate petitions is also August 5.
All Kankakee County precincts will conduct elections for political party nominees to positions such as U.S. Senator, Statewide Offices, U.S. Representative in Congress, Illinois General Assembly, Countywide Offices, and County Board Members. Precinct Committeepersons will be elected at the General Primary.
Only those running for county offices—such as County Clerk, Treasurer, Sheriff, County Board, or Precinct Committeeperson—will file petitions with the County Clerk’s office. Candidates for state-level offices must file with the State Board of Elections in Springfield. The filing window for prospective candidates runs from October 27 through November 3.
For candidates filing for the same office at 8:30 a.m. on October 27, a lottery will be held to determine the top ballot position. A similar lottery will be conducted for those filing within the final hour before the deadline on November 3 to determine the last ballot position.
Those interested are encouraged to check the official Kankakee County Clerk’s website for updates and detailed requirements before circulating petitions.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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