By Sarah DeMaranville
The Geneseo Current
While voters head to the polls for the November general election, another election is already taking shape in Geneseo. Nine positions across the City Council, Geneseo School Board, and Geneseo Park District will be up for election on April 6, 2027.
The consolidated election will determine who represents residents on three local governing bodies responsible for decisions involving municipal services, public education, recreational facilities, and taxpayer funding.
Candidates have until November 23 to file their nomination papers. Although the seats up for election are known, it remains unclear which incumbents will seek additional terms or whether challengers will enter the races.
Four Geneseo City Council Seats
One alderman seat in each of Geneseo's four wards will be up for election.
The positions are currently held by:
Ward 1: Paula Simosky
Ward 2: Bob James
Ward 3: Martin Rothschild
Ward 4: Kent Swanson
Each position carries a two-year term.
The mayor's office is not scheduled for election in April 2027.
City Council members make decisions involving municipal budgets, property taxes, utilities, infrastructure, development proposals, and local ordinances.
The election comes as the city continues work on infrastructure improvements, utility projects, and long-term financial planning.
Three Geneseo School Board Seats
Three positions on the Geneseo Community Unit School District #228 Board of Education will also be filled.
The terms of the following board members expire in 2027:
Diane Olson, Board Secretary
Kyle Ganson, Board Vice President
Julie Robinson, Board Member
All three were elected to four-year terms in April 2023. Olson and Ganson were reelected that year, while Robinson joined the board for her first term.
Olson has served on the board since 2015, Ganson since 2019, and Robinson since 2023.
It has not been confirmed whether any of the three intend to seek reelection.
School Board members oversee district policies, budgets, educational priorities, facilities, and the employment and evaluation of the superintendent.
The upcoming election follows a year of significant financial discussions within the district, including operating deficits, working cash transfers, property-tax levy proposals, and long-term facility needs.
Two Geneseo Park District Seats
Two of the five positions on the Geneseo Park District Board of Commissioners will also be up for election.
The seats are currently held by:
Christina Zobrist, Board President
Julia McAvoy, Board Vice President
Both positions carry four-year terms.
According to Andy Thurman, Executive Director of the Geneseo Park District, Zobrist and McAvoy had obtained nomination packets as of October 19. However, obtaining a packet does not confirm that either commissioner has decided to run.
Park commissioners oversee district operations, recreational programs, facilities, capital improvements, and financial decisions.
Candidate Filing Begins November 16
Candidates for the April election may file nomination papers beginning November 16. The filing period closes November 23.
Petition circulation began August 25.
Requirements vary by office. Candidates must meet applicable residency, voter-registration, and nomination-petition requirements.
Those interested in running for City Council should consult the City of Geneseo's election notices. Park District candidates can obtain nomination materials through the district office at 541 E. North Street.
Prospective School Board candidates can obtain information through the Henry County Clerk and Illinois Association of School Boards.
The initial field of candidates should become clearer after filing closes November 23. However, the final ballot will not be established until the nomination and certification processes are completed.
More Local Positions May Appear on Ballots
The April consolidated election also includes local offices in other Henry County communities and school districts.
Depending on where residents live, their ballots may include additional municipal, school, library or special-district positions, along with any properly certified public questions.
Not every Henry County voter will receive the same ballot.
The Current Will Follow the Races
The Geneseo Current will continue monitoring candidate filings, contested races, and other developments leading up to the April election.
As candidates are confirmed, The Current plans to provide election information to help residents understand who is seeking office and the responsibilities of the positions being filled.
The consolidated election will be held Tuesday, April 6, 2027.
Additional election information is available through the Henry County Clerk's Office and the Illinois State Board of Elections.
