by Sarah DeMaranville
Geneseo Current
If you want to run for Geneseo City Council next spring, the clock is already ticking.
Petition packets for the April 6, 2027, consolidated election have been available at City Hall since Aug. 25, 2026. The filing window is Nov. 16–23, 2026.
City Hall will accept filings from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 16–20 and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 23.
What offices will be on the ballot?
Geneseo is governed by a mayor and eight council members representing four wards. The officials serve staggered two-year terms, with one seat from each ward up for election during each cycle.
The four seats on the April ballot are currently held by:
First Ward: Paula Simosky
Second Ward: Bob James
Third Ward: Martin Rothschild
Fourth Ward: Kent Swanson
The mayor’s term does not expire until the following election cycle, so that position will not appear on the April 2027 ballot.
The listing identifies the seats being elected, but it does not necessarily mean each incumbent will seek another term.
Are you eligible?
Generally, a candidate must:
Be a registered voter
Have lived in Geneseo for at least one year before the election
Live in the ward the candidate wants to represent
Not owe the city back taxes or other qualifying debts
Not have a disqualifying felony conviction
Candidates should review the Illinois State Board of Elections’ 2027 Candidate’s Guide and seek legal advice if they have questions about their eligibility.
What paperwork is required?
For a nonpartisan city council race, candidates will generally need:
Nominating petitions containing the required number of valid voter signatures
A statement of candidacy
A loyalty oath, which is optional
A Statement of Economic Interests filed with the Henry County Clerk, with the filing receipt attached to the nomination papers
Candidates should get the exact signature requirement for their ward from City Clerk Paige Seibel rather than guessing.
The packets available at City Hall are provided as a courtesy. Each candidate remains responsible for ensuring that the correct forms are completed and filed properly.
Where do candidates file?
Nomination papers must be filed with the city clerk at Geneseo City Hall during the November filing period. City Hall is also where prospective candidates can obtain petition packets.
Key dates
Aug. 25, 2026: Petition circulation began
Nov. 16–23, 2026: Candidate filing period
Dec. 2, 2026: Deadline to object to nomination papers
April 6, 2027: Consolidated election
