CHICAGO — Monday is the first day for Cook County political candidates to file nominating petitions for the March primary election.
Candidates looking to file for the March 17, 2026, primary were expected to start lining up outside the County Clerk's Office around 6 a.m., but some hopeful candidates or their representatives could be seen lining up at midnight.
Dozens of candidates are expected to submit their nominating petitions Monday when the County Clerk's Office officially opens the filing period at 9 a.m.
However, any candidate or their representative present in line prior to the start of filing will be entered into a ballot position lottery to determine the top spot on the ballot in each respective race.
Some candidates who were lined up in the early-morning hours told WGN-TV why they got there so early.
"I got here because of the commitment of the people that signed my petitions and the people that went out and got my petition signed," Andre Smith, a candidate for Cook County Commissioner, said. "I wanted to show them that I had just as much consideration of being here first on the ballot as they (had being) out getting signatures."
"My campaign is based on people over politics, so I want to show the commitment, I want to show the dedication, and I want to make a statement that I'm willing to do the work," Kiana Belcher, another candidate for Cook County Commissioner, said. "I got up to make sure that I was here — I was hoping to be the first — but the second in line, to show that I'm ready to take this next step for our community."
Candidates have until 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3, to submit their nominating petitions to the County Clerk’s Office.
A complete list of candidates will be available after filing closes on Nov. 3 and all scanning and processing of petitions has been completed.