Evanston Voter GuideSpecial election · 2026–27
Special election · Tuesday, April 6, 2027

Your ballot, explained.

Mayor Daniel Biss resigns effective October 18, 2026. [1] Voters will elect someone to serve the rest of his term, through May 2029, along with members of the District 65, District 202 and Oakton College boards.

181days to Election Day, Tue Apr 6, 2027
139days to the primary — only if 3+ mayoral candidates file
4local races in this guide
Sample · not an official ballotEvanston · Apr 6, 2027

Mayor1 seat · announced, alphabetical

Jeff BoariniJane GroverGilo Kwesi LoganStephanie MendozaElliot OatsAnn Rainey

District 65 board3 seats · declared so far

Dan CoyneDanny OrrockChris Van NostrandNatika Washington

District 202 board3 seats

Candidates file Nov 16–23, 2026.

Oakton College board2 seats

Candidates file Nov 16–23, 2026.

Names listed alphabetically. Official ballot order is set by election officials after filing closes.

Running for mayor

These are candidates who have publicly announced. Nobody is on the ballot until they file between Oct 19 and 26, 2026 and the City Clerk certifies the ballot. Listed alphabetically by last name. The mayor’s race →

Portrait of Jeff Boarini
Jeff BoariniAnnounced · not yet filed
Portrait of Jane Grover
Jane GroverAnnounced · not yet filed
Gilo Kwesi LoganAnnounced · not yet filed
Portrait of Stephanie Mendoza
Stephanie MendozaAnnounced · not yet filed
Portrait of Elliot Oats
Elliot OatsAnnounced · not yet filed
Portrait of Ann Rainey
Ann RaineyAnnounced · not yet filed

Your checklist

The mayor’s race may have a February primary. It happens only if three or more candidates file. [1] Every date →

  1. Oct 19–26, 2026Mayoral candidates file[1]With the Evanston City Clerk, Suite 240, 909 Davis St., 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Candidates need 946 to 1,513 valid signatures.
  2. Nov 16–23, 2026School and Oakton board candidates file[2][3][4]D65 and D202 candidates file with the Cook County Clerk. Oakton candidates file at Oakton’s Des Plaines campus. 50 signatures.
  3. Thu Dec 17, 2026Deadline to certify the mayoral ballot[2]Last day for the City Clerk to certify mayoral candidates to the county. By then we’ll know whether a February primary will be held.
  4. Tue Feb 23, 2027Mayoral primary[1][2]Held only if three or more candidates file. Polls open 6 a.m.–7 p.m.Primary only if 3+ mayoral candidates file
  5. Tue Mar 9, 2027Regular registration closes[2]After this you can still register in person, with two IDs, during the grace period through Election Day.
  6. Sun Mar 21, 2027Online registration closes[2]At ova.elections.il.gov.
  7. Thu Apr 1, 2027Mail-ballot application due[2]Mailed applications must be received by the Cook County Clerk.
  8. Tue Apr 6, 2027Election Day[2]Mayor, District 65, District 202 and Oakton College boards. Polls open 6 a.m.–7 p.m.

Before you vote

All four take a few minutes on the Cook County Clerk’s website or the state’s online registration site.

01 / 04

Check your registration

Confirm you’re registered at your current address, and see your sample ballot and polling place.

02 / 04

Register or update online

Need an Illinois driver’s license or state ID. Online registration for April closes March 21, 2027.

03 / 04

Request a mail ballot

Apply online with the Cook County Clerk, or join the permanent vote-by-mail list.

04 / 04

Know your dates

Registration, mail-ballot and early-voting deadlines for February and April, all in one place.

Sources

  1. City of Evanston, City Clerk — 2027 Special Mayoral Election — https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/city_clerks_office/2025_consolidated_elections/index.php · accessed 2026-10-06
  2. Illinois State Board of Elections — 2027 Election & Campaign Finance Calendar (via Running for Office) — https://www.elections.il.gov/RunningForOffice.aspx?MID=rOlNCTNZd9A%3D · accessed 2026-10-06
  3. Illinois State Board of Elections — 2027 Candidate’s Guide (via Running for Office) — https://www.elections.il.gov/RunningForOffice.aspx?MID=rOlNCTNZd9A%3D · accessed 2026-10-06
  4. Oakton College — Board of Trustees board book, August 2026 (Item 8/26-10) — https://www.oakton.edu/_pdfs/board-books/2026/august-2026-board-book.pdf · accessed 2026-10-06