Preparing For The Next Election--February 22, 2011

Voters will be going to the polls in less than 50 days. This is for federal, state and county candidates. Meanwhile, preparations are being made for more localized city and village as well as school board elections that will be taking place next year with a Primary scheduled for February 22 and the general election on April 5. The Primary is held only if more than four candidates file for the position of mayor
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For Crystal Lake, Election packets for the 2011 Municipal Election are now available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the City of Crystal Lake Municipal Complex, located at 100 W. Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

One four-year position for Mayor and three four-year positions for Councilman At-Large are up for election. A Consolidated Primary Election will be held on February 22 only if more than four candidates file for the position of Mayor and if more than eight candidates file for the positions of Councilman At-Large.

The Consolidated General Election will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2011, with the successful candidates taking office at the latter of either the first regular or special meeting after receipt of the official election results or at the first regular or special meeting in the month following their election.

Candidates for municipal office may be circulating nominating petitions now until November 22. Petitions for nomination are filed with the Crystal Lake City Clerk, City Hall, 100 W. Woodstock Street beginning Monday, Nov. 15, through Monday, Nov. 22, 2010, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding weekend days/holidays.

At the time of filing, each municipal candidate must file the following documents at the Office of the City Clerk:

1. Petitions for Nomination – numbered and bound;
2. A Statement of Candidacy;
3. A Loyalty Oath (optional);
4. Statement of Economic Interest Receipt (Filed with the County Clerk's Office).

At the time of filing, candidates will be provided with a D-5 Notice of Obligation, a copy of the Code of Fair Campaign Practices Act and a Receipt for Filing which will include the exact date and time of filing. In the case of simultaneous filings, a lottery will be conducted to determine ballot placement. Following any lotteries conducted, objections will be received by the City Clerk’s office no later than December 1, 2010. A Certificate of Ballot will be forwarded to the McHenry County Clerk's office for the Consolidated Primary Election.

An Election Calendar and Candidate’s Guide is available on the Illinois State Board of Elections website at www.elections.state.il.us.

The Office of the City Clerk as the Local Election Official recommends that all prospective candidates consult with competent legal counsel when preparing nominating papers to run for office.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting the City Clerk at 815.459.2020 ext. 4084 or the State Board of Elections in Springfield at 217.782.4141.