Learn About the 2023 Municipal Election
When is the Next Election?
The next election is the Municipal Election on April 4, 2023.
Use the button below to look up dates and deadlines for the April 4 Municipal Election on this LWVCC handout. You can also download the entire handout as a reference.
What is a Municipal Election?
In a Municipal Election, voters decide which candidates will hold office in cities, towns, and villages, and on school boards throughout Champaign County. This election has officially been called “consolidated” since 1982. Starting that year, elections for school board members were merged, or consolidated, with elections for local government offices. Most races in this kind of election are nonpartisan--candidates do not represent political parties in these races. In some races, candidates are unopposed; in others, there are more candidates running for that office than can hold it.
For some of the smaller communities in our county, candidates are chosen by local community meetings called "caucuses" that are held by local parties in those communities. If you live in one of those communities, candidates on your ballot may be identified by a party label.
No matter where you live in the county, your vote helps decide who will serve as our local elected officials for the next four years. . . . your vote helps decide who will serve as our local elected officials for the next four years.
For some of the smaller communities in our county, candidates are chosen by local community meetings called "caucuses" that are held by local parties in those communities. If you live in one of those communities, candidates on your ballot may be identified by a party label.
No matter where you live in the county, your vote helps decide who will serve as our local elected officials for the next four years. . . . your vote helps decide who will serve as our local elected officials for the next four years.
Who Can Vote in a Municipal Election?
All registered voters can vote in Illinois Municipal Elections.
What Offices Will Be on the Municipal Election Ballot?
There are two kinds of races in the Municipal Election. Some are contested--there are more candidates who want the office than available spots. In contested races, you have a choice of who to select. If there is only one candidate for the available office/spot, then the race is uncontested. You'll see only one name on the ballot for that office. In most races you'll vote for only one of the candidates listed. However, in some races you'll be able to vote for more than one. Your ballot will include directions letting you know the number of candidates you can vote for in each race.
Contested races in the April 4 Municipal Election - These are among the races where you have a choice of candidates.
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Uncontested races in the April 4 Municipal Election - Although some of these races may be contested, in most cases there will be only one candidate on the ballot.
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What Are My Voting Districts? Which Candidates Will Be on My Ballot?
Based on results from the 2020 Census, the Illinois legislature revised many federal, state, and county voting districts. Yours may have changed. Your voting districts are based on your address—and your voting districts determine which candidates will be on your ballot.
Step 1: Confirm your current voting districts on the County Clerk's website here:
https://champaigncountyclerk.com/elections/my-voting-information On this page, provide either the last 4 digits of your Social Security number or your complete Illinois driver's license/state ID number. After you fill in this information, press Submit. Then click on Voting Districts. This drop-down will list all your current voting districts. You may want to make a note of them.
Step 2: Download your sample ballot! Your sample ballot includes all the races and candidates you'll be voting on! The Champaign County Clerk's website has a My Sample Ballot page. Follow the instructions to acess and download your sample ballot.
Step 3: Learn more about candidates in contested races. The nonpartisan Candidate Guide is your best source of candidate information for all major contested races. You'll find candidate Q&As and links to ways to contact each candidate.
https://votechampaign.org/guide.php
Step 1: Confirm your current voting districts on the County Clerk's website here:
https://champaigncountyclerk.com/elections/my-voting-information On this page, provide either the last 4 digits of your Social Security number or your complete Illinois driver's license/state ID number. After you fill in this information, press Submit. Then click on Voting Districts. This drop-down will list all your current voting districts. You may want to make a note of them.
Step 2: Download your sample ballot! Your sample ballot includes all the races and candidates you'll be voting on! The Champaign County Clerk's website has a My Sample Ballot page. Follow the instructions to acess and download your sample ballot.
Step 3: Learn more about candidates in contested races. The nonpartisan Candidate Guide is your best source of candidate information for all major contested races. You'll find candidate Q&As and links to ways to contact each candidate.
https://votechampaign.org/guide.php
Get Ready To Vote . . .
To vote in the Municipal Election, you need to be registered to vote. If you need to register, or have questions on registering, visit the Register to Vote page.
If you're already registered, visit the Prepare to Vote page for tips on how to prepare to vote. |