Filing Deadline Day in Illinois:

What the Law Requires — and Why It Matters

FREEPORT, IL – November 03, 2025

Today, November 3, 2025, marks the final day for candidates of established political parties to file their nominating petition packets for the March 17, 2026 Illinois General Primary Election.
All filings must be received by 5:00 PM — no exceptions. Those still in line after the deadline will not be accepted under Illinois law (10 ILCS 5/7-12(6)).

These aren’t arbitrary deadlines — they’re the backbone of a system designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability across all 102 counties.