Urgent: McHenry County Candidates Can Start Petitioning NOW!

UPDATE: The race for local offices in McHenry County is officially underway as candidate nominating petitions are now available. Prospective candidates eyeing the pivotal March 17, 2026 primary can access their nomination packets online, a move confirmed by McHenry County Clerk Joe Tirio on Friday.

In a bid to streamline the process, Tirio announced that candidates can download their packets from the clerk’s website or the Illinois State Board of Elections website, eliminating the need for in-person visits. Starting Tuesday, candidates can begin circulating their petitions, with the official filing period set from October 27 to November 3, 2025.

Candidates have the option to file their paperwork in person at the clerk’s office, mail it, or have an agent submit it on their behalf. However, Tirio cautioned against mailing, stating, “mailing is not a smart option” for ballot positioning, as he has never known a candidate to succeed with this method.

This election cycle is critical, with several key positions up for grabs, including the Regional Superintendent, Sheriff, Treasurer, and County Clerk-Recorder. Nine of the 18 County Board seats will also be contested. Currently, incumbents including Diana Hartmann, Robb Tadelman, Donna Kurtz, and Tirio himself are all set to run for reelection, maintaining their positions as Republicans in a county governed by a substantial 15-3 supermajority.

Notably, Treasurer Kurtz will face off against Amin Karim, her Democratic challenger who previously lost to her in the 2022 elections.

The forms required for running in county offices can be found online at bit.ly/45hbVQP in the 2026 election section. For those aiming for state and federal positions, applications must be filed in Springfield.

As the election cycle heats up, it’s crucial for potential candidates to act swiftly and efficiently. With the clock ticking down to the filing deadline, many will be eager to secure their place in what promises to be a highly competitive race. Stay tuned for further updates as the 2026 election cycle evolves!