Three seats on the Park Ridge Park District Board of Commissioners are open in the April 6, 2027 election, and petition circulation is underway.

The district posted candidate packets on Aug. 24 announcing the openings on the seven-member volunteer board. Each seat carries a four-year term.

Who can run

Candidates must be qualified electors of the Park Ridge Park District and must have lived within the district for at least one year before the April 6, 2027 election. Anyone in arrears on taxes or debts owed to the Park District is ineligible, as are those convicted of a felony in any U.S. court. Under Public Act 103-562, which took effect Nov. 17, 2023, a person convicted of a felony committed while serving as an Illinois public official is also barred unless the conviction is reversed.

Petition and filing timeline

Candidates began circulating nominating petitions on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Each petition must carry signatures from at least 181 qualified voters in the Park District.

The filing window runs Nov. 16 through Nov. 23. Papers must be submitted to the Park District Secretary at Wohlers Hall, 733 N. Prospect Ave., during regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. On the final filing day, Nov. 23, the office stays open until 5 p.m.

Candidates who line up before 8:30 a.m. on the first filing day are considered simultaneous filers. Their ballot order will be decided by lottery on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 9 a.m. in the Wohlers Hall Board Room.

What to file

According to the district's candidate packet, required documents include a Statement of Candidacy (nonpartisan, State Board of Elections Form P-1A), nominating petition sheets (SBE Form P-4), and a receipt showing a Statement of Economic Interests was filed with the county clerk. That receipt is due no later than 5 p.m. on Nov. 23. A loyalty oath is optional.

The district noted that candidate packets are a courtesy and recommended prospective candidates consult an attorney when preparing nomination papers.

Election Day details

Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6, 2027. Campaign finance disclosure reports must be filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Packets are available in person at Wohlers Hall, 733 N. Prospect Ave., weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or online at prparks.org.