Running for Local Office: From Voter to Candidate

Have you ever considered serving on a local village, school or park board? The League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River Forest is sponsoring a program to encourage area residents who are considering public service and help them navigate the path to election.

 The next election for municipal offices is April 6, 2027, and candidates must file their nomination documents November 16-23.

At a time when democracy and voting are under assault, citizens are needed to step up to participate in local government and bring their diverse points of view. Two speakers will discuss why people should run for office and the considerations they should weigh. They will offer a primer on the nuts and bolts of running. What are the mechanics of getting and staying on the ballot and what are the pitfalls to avoid? What is the best way to raise money and what is an effective campaign? Former elected officials will share their experiences and advice in a panel discussion afterward.

Speaker Mathias W. Delort served on the Illinois Appellate Court for more than 10 years and in the circuit court for five years. During that time he trained hundreds of judges on campaign ethics and related topics. He currently works as an arbitrator, mediator and administrative law judge and is the editor-in-chief of the leading treatise on Illinois election law.

Sheilah O’Grady-Krajniak, our second speaker, is executive director of the Citizen Advocacy Center in Elmhurst, serving DuPage County and other areas in building democracy, increasing citizen education and engagement and providing community lawyer services. Previously, she was director of criminal record relief for the Westside Justice Center. O’Grady-Krajniak also served in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office for more than 15 years in a variety of positions and roles.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. With more than 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s most trusted grassroots organizations. 

This program is free and open to the public.