Apparent Conformity Policy for Candidate Nominating Papers

Purpose:
To ensure candidate nominating papers submitted to the Macoupin County Clerk’s Office appear to meet essential statutory requirements before formal certification. This is a preliminary, non-binding review and is not a guarantee of legal compliance under the Illinois Election Code. Candidates may still be subject to formal objections or challenges.

  1. Scope of Review
    The County Clerk’s Office will conduct a limited, preliminary review of each candidate’s nominating petitions and associated documents at the time of filing to confirm apparent conformity with basic statutory requirements. This review does not include verification of the accuracy of signatures, legal sufficiency, or binding legal determinations.
  2. Review Criteria
    1. Statement of Candidacy
      1. Office and jurisdiction (e.g., Precinct, County, District) are clearly designated
      2. Term of office is specified, particularly in cases where unexpired terms exist
      3. Candidate signature is present
      4. Document is properly notarized with the notary seal visible
    2. Petition Sheets
      1. Correct office and jurisdiction are listed on each petition sheet
      2. Circulator’s Statement is fully completed and signed
      3. Petition sheets are consecutively numbered and properly notarized
      4. Petition packet is securely bound or stapled
    3. Statement of Economic Interests
      1. Receipt showing the Statement of Economic Interests was filed, or a completed copy submitted
      2. Filing occurred on or before the statutory deadline
  3. Notification Process At Time of Submission:
    Nominating petitions that do not meet these basic criteria will not be accepted. Candidates will be informed at the time of filing if their petitions are not in “apparent conformity.” Candidates will have until the close of the filing period to file petitions that are in “apparent conformity.”
  4. Legal Notice
    This policy is intended to aid in administrative efficiency and transparency, but it does not replace formal objection procedures set forth in the Illinois Election Code. Candidates are responsible for ensuring full legal compliance and are encouraged to consult legal counsel prior to filing.