How to file to run for office in Macoupin County: steps, forms and timing

Pete, with the Macoupin County Election Office, laid out the basic steps residents must take to place their name on a local ballot: collect petition signatures appropriate to the office sought, complete required candidate forms and file during the designated filing period. "So once someone decides that they wanna run for office, a lot of it depends on what type of office they want to run for," he said, noting that where you file depends on the jurisdiction of the office.

The county will provide the paperwork and a courtesy signature-count guide, but Pete urged prospective candidates to double-check calculations themselves and with the State Board of Elections' candidate guide. "And then we'll have all the paperwork that goes with it," he said, adding that forms commonly include a statement of candidacy and a statement of economic interest. He also said petition packets will be available on the county website and updated based on state guidance.