Lee County candidates had until 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, to turn in their nomination papers as they seek candidacy for the March 17 primary election.

On that day, voters can choose a Democratic or Republican ballot to pick who appears on the ballot in November 2026. All voters, partisan or not, can weigh in on referendum questions.

Here’s a list of Democratic candidates who have filed their nomination papers in Lee County:

County Board District 3:

• David J. Bally (D)
• Chance Munroe (D)

Precinct Committeeperson:

• David D. McCarver (D): Amboy 01
• Dennis M. Burrs (D): Dixon 01
• David J. Bally (D): Dixon 02
• Jill Portner (D): Dixon 07
• Thomas B. Cartwright (D): Dixon 11
• Ashley J. Winters (D): Dixon 17
• Barbara V. Schwamberger (D): Franklin Grove 01
• Michael Soto (D): Nachusa
• Sarah M. Bingaman (D): Palmyra 01
• C. Amy Palmer (D): Sublette

Here’s a list of Republican candidates who have filed their nomination papers in Lee County:

County Clerk:

• Nancy L. Petersen (R)

Sheriff:

• Clayton T. Whelan (R)

County Treasurer:

• Paul Rudolphi (R)

County Board District 1:

• Chris Robertson (R)
• Robert J. Olsen (R)
• Derek J. Humphrey (R)

County Board District 2:

• Dennis S. “Denny” Kosinski (R)
• Ali Huss (R)
• Ryan Rod, 2-year (R)

County Board District 3:

• Jason Todd Anderson (R)
• Tom Wilson (R)

County Board District 4:

• Michael Book (R)
• Kevin E. Lalley (R)

Precinct Committeeperson:

• Bradley J. Fritts (R): Amboy 03
• Seth M. McMillan (R): Ashton 01
• Lirim Mimini (R): Ashton 02
• Kent Miller (R): Dixon 01
• Chris Bishop (R): Dixon 03
• Piper L. Grazulis (R): Dixon 04
• Troy Ordean (R): Dixon 07
• Nancy Naylor (R): Dixon 08
• Li Arellano Jr. (R): Dixon 11
• David T. Fritts (R): Dixon 11
• Christopher K. Harrison (R): Dixon 14
• Jack Skrogstad (R): Dixon 17
• John Nicholson (R): Franklin Grove 01
• Shantel Davis (R): Franklin Grove 02
• Kevin E. Lalley (R): Palmyra 02
• Charles A. Boonstra (R): South Dixon
• Ali Huss (R): Willow Creek
• Dennis S. “Denny” Kosinski (R): Wyoming 01

Important dates

Nov. 10: Last day to file objections challenging whether candidates can appear on the ballot.

Nov. 17 to 24: Filing period for candidates seeking to fill judicial vacancies.

Dec. 3: Deadline to file objections in judicial vacancy races.

Dec. 15: Deadline to file petitions for referenda to appear on the March ballot. This does not include referendum questions authorized by local governments, just ones submitted through voter-signed petitions.

Dec. 17: First day to apply for a mail-in ballot.

Dec. 22: Deadline to file objections on referendum questions.

Dec. 29: Deadline for local government boards – such as school boards and city councils – to adopt a resolution or ordinance for a binding referendum.

Jan. 8: Last day for a candidate to withdraw from the race.

Jan. 15: Last day for a candidate to file as a write-in.

Feb. 5: Early voting starts, and county clerks begin mailing ballots.

March 1: Last day to register to vote online through the Illinois State Board of Elections website. Grace period registration and voting continues through election day.

March 17: Election day for the 2026 primary. Polls close at 7 p.m. Voters can request a partisan ballot with either Democratic or Republican candidates listed or a nonpartisan ballot, which includes any referenda.