Candidate Information
Be informed and prepared for election day by knowing what candidates will be on the ballot and where they stand on the issues. Sample ballots are available on the McLean County Clerk's website for all McLean County residents except for those living in Bloomington. Sample ballots are available for Bloomington residents on the City of Bloomington Board of Election Commissioners website.
There are many nonpartisan resources to identify who will be on your ballot. We recommend BallotReady, ActiVote, and Vote411 (supported by the League of Women Voters) to identify who will be on your ballot. To learn who is currently representing you, check My Reps
Use the links below to learn more about the candidates and offices that will be on your ballot. Note that parties and candidates are listed in alphabetical order, and the term incumbent is used to indicate which candidate (if any) currently holds that office.
Federal Offices
US President
The President is both the head of state and head of government of the United States of America, and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Under Article II of the Constitution, the President is responsible for the execution and enforcement of the laws created by Congress. The President appoints members of the President's Cabinet to lead fifteen executive departments which carry out the day-to-day administration of the federal government. They are joined in this by other executive agencies such as the CIA and Environmental Protection Agency, the heads of which are not part of the Cabinet, but who are under the full authority of the President. The President also appoints the heads of more than 50 independent federal commissions, such as the Federal Reserve Board or the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as federal judges, ambassadors, and other federal offices. The President has the power either to sign legislation into law or to veto bills enacted by Congress, although Congress may override a veto with a two-thirds vote of both houses. The Executive Branch conducts diplomacy with other nations and the President has the power to negotiate and sign treaties, which the Senate ratifies. The President can issue executive orders, which direct executive officers or clarify and further existing laws. The President also has the power to extend pardons and clemencies for federal crimes. (White House information about the Executive Branch of US Government)
Note: the list of candidates for US President includes all candidates who have filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections .
Democrat candidates: N/A
Republican candidates: N/A
Current President: Donald Trump
The President of the United States holds four year terms. The next Presidental Election will take place in November 2028.
US House of Representatives
The US House of Representatives is one of two chambers for the federal legislature (Congress). The Constitution grants Congress the sole authority to enact legislation and declare war, the right to confirm or reject many Presidential appointments, and substantial investigative powers. The House has several powers assigned exclusively to it, including the power to initiate revenue bills, impeach federal officials, and elect the President in the case of an Electoral College tie. Members of the House are elected every two years and must be 25 years of age, a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, and a resident of the state (but not necessarily the district) they represent. The House of Representatives is made up of 435 elected members, divided among the 50 states in proportion to their total population. You can learn more about the legislative branch here.
Illinois has a total of 17 representatives. Each representatives has an office in Washington, D.C. and offices throughout their district. Depending on where you live in Bloomington-Normal, you are either represented by District 16 or District 17. Check the House of Representatives website to determine which district you are in.
House of Representatives District 16
Democrat candidates: N/A
Republican candidates: N/A
Current Rep: Darin LaHood
House of Representatives District 17
Democrat candidates: N/A
Republican candidates: N/A
Current Rep: Eric Sorensen
Illinois state representatives serve two-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years. Illinois holds elections for its legislature in even years. The next election for these positions will take place in November 2026.
State Offices
Governor of Illinois
The Governor of Illinois is the elected leader responsible for overseeing the state’s executive branch and ensuring effective governance. The governor appoints state officials, signs bills into law, and proposes the state budget. They also serve as Commander-in-Chief of the Illinois National Guard and have the authority to convene special sessions of the state legislature. Additionally, the governor represents Illinois at the national level, advocating for the state’s interests with federal agencies and other states. The governor’s offices are located in Springfield and Chicago. (Governor of Illinois information)
Democrat candidates: N/A
Republican candidates: N/A
Current Governor: J.B. Pritzker
The next election for this position will take place in November 2026.
Illinois Senate District 46
The Illinois Senate is one of two chambers of the state legislature (Illinois General Assembly). Senators are responsible for passing bills into law, approving the state budget, confirming appointments to state departments and agencies, acting on federal constitutional amendments and proposing constitutional amendments for Illinois. It also has the power to override gubernatorial vetoes through a three-fifths majority vote. The Illinois Senate tries impeachments made by the House of Representatives and can convict impeached officers by a two-thirds vote. There is a total of 59 Senators, with each senatorial district representing two of the smaller legislative districts. Your Representative represents you at the state level. They have an office in Springfield (the state capital) and local offices in their district. (Illinois State Senate information)
Democrat candidates: N/A
Republican candidates: N/A
Current Rep: Dave Koehler
The next election for this position will take place in November 2028.
Illinois Representative District 91
The Illinois House is one of two chambers of the state legislature (Illinois General Assembly). Representatives are vested with the power to make laws, come up with a state budget, act on federal constitutional amendments, and propose constitutional amendments to the state constitution. The Illinois House of Representatives also holds the power to impeach executive and judicial officials. There is a total of 118 Representatives, one from each individual legislative district. Your Representative represents you at the state level. They have an office in Springfield (the state capital) and a local office in the district. (Illinois House of Representatives information)
Democrat candidates: N/A
Republican candidates: N/A
Current Rep: Sharon Chung
Representatives serve two-year terms, with all 118 seats up for election every two years. The next election for this position will take place in November 2026.
Illinois State Courts
How does the Illinois court system work?
The State of Illinois has three different levels of courts: circuit courts, appellate courts, and the Illinois Supreme Court. The circuit court is a court of original jurisdiction which is divided into twenty-four circuits. Cases are initially filed in the circuit clerk’s office in a county of the circuit (in Bloomington-Normal, this is the McLean County circuit clerk). The case is then heard in the circuit court in which the county is located. Circuit courts may also be referred to as trial courts. Each circuit is located in one of five appellate court districts. McLean County is in the 4th District Appellate Court. Cases may be appealed to the appellate court in the district containing the circuit court, or, in certain circumstances, directly to the Supreme Court. After an appellate court decision, parties to the case may seek discretionary review by the Supreme Court. See the diagram at left for a general description of how cases move through the state court system. (Illinois court system information)
Why do we elect judges?
In the voting booth, after making their choices for governor, president, senators, and state reps, voters face another daunting task: voting for judges. Voter participation on this part of the ballot drops off steeply, with about one-quarter of voters not making judicial picks.
Unlike other elected officials, judges in Illinois don’t have to defend themselves against challengers at the end of their six-year terms. Instead, they go up for retention on the general election ballot. Voters choose yes or no to keeping each judge on the bench, and the judge has to get 60% yes votes to stay. There are no term limits.
Illinois is one of just nine states in which circuit court-level judicial candidates run for their first term in partisan elections and one of eight states using the retention voting method when sitting judges run for re-election. Judges in Illinois have been chosen through partisan elections since 1848. The last attempt to change that, during the 1970 Constitutional Convention, failed when voters in a statewide referendum chose by a slim margin to keep the partisan election system over creating a merit-based selection process. (Excerpts from Cook County Judicial Explainer)
Why should I care about who the judges are?
Each day, state court judges shape the country we live in. They interpret the law to resolve disagreements and protect the rights of people in the communities they serve. Judges are involved in many major life events; if you dispute a speeding ticket, sue for damages after a car accident, settle a deceased loved one’s estate, lose a home through eviction or foreclosure, get divorced, or face accusations of committing a crime, among many other circumstances, a judge is involved and will be instrumental in determining the outcome of a court case. (Sources: Judicial selection map, excerpts from Cook County Judicial Explainer)
McLean County Offices
Auditor
The County Auditor is the officer responsible for examining how all of the other departments are operating, including use of financial resources. (McLean County Auditor's website)
Democrat candidates: n/a
Republican candidates: n/a
Current Auditor: Michelle L. Anderson
The County Auditor serves 4-year terms, the next election for this position will be in November 2028.
Circuit Clerk
The Clerk of the Circuit Court of McLean County (Circuit Clerk) is, by law, the official keeper of records for all judicial matters brought into the Circuit Court of McLean County. Other duties include gathering and reporting statistical data to various law enforcement and state government bodies, and receiving and disbursing fines, fees, and costs collected as a result of court actions. (McLean County Circuit Clerk's website)
Democrat candidates: n/a
Republican candidates: n/a
Current Clerk: Don Everhart
The Circuit Clerk serves a 4 year term, the next election for this position will take place in November 2028.
Coroner
The primary responsibility of the McLean County Coroner's Office is to investigate all sudden and unexpected deaths that occur within the County. Sudden and unexpected does not always mean violent and/or traumatic, but those deaths are also investigated. (McLean County Coroner's website)
Democrat candidates: n/a
Republican candidates: n/a
Current Coroner: Kathy Yoder
The Coroner serves a 4 year term, the next election for this position will take place in November 2028.
State’s Attorney
The McLean County State's Attorney's Office is responsible for prosecuting individuals charged with a crime, as well as providing advocacy for community members. (McLean County State's Attorney's website)
Democrat candidates: n/a
Republican candidates: n/a
Current State's Attorney: Erika Reynolds
The State's Attorney serves a 4 year term, the next election for this position will take place in November 2028.
County Board
The county board is both the legislative and executive branch of county government. It enacts ordinances and resolutions and administers the activities of county departments. They establish tax rates, authorize bond issues, reviews zoning, planning and land use matters, and considers appeals in granting or denying certain permits and licenses. (County Board Information Sheet)
Most Illinois State students are in District 4 or District 6. Find your county board district here.
District 4 (4-year term)
Democrat candidates: n/a
Republican candidates: n/a
Current Reps: Jim Rogal, Krystle Able
The next election for a District 4 seat will take place in November 2026.
District 6 (4-year term)
Democrat candidates: n/a
Republican candidates: n/a
Current Reps: Beverly Bell, Alex Duffy
The next election for a District 6 seat will take place in November 2026.
Precinct Committeepersons
Precinct committeepersons represent their party’s voters within their precinct. Working with their party’s Central Committee, they are the grassroots base for the political party’s activities. They may help their party’s candidates, organize fundraisers, and introduce candidates to voters in their precinct. Precinct committeepersons are usually a good source of information about their party’s candidates. McLean County has over 100 precincts; the precincts listed below include Illinois State University and surrounding areas. You can find all McLean County Precinct Committeepersons Directory here.
The next election for committeepersons will be in 2026.
Municipal Election
Town of Normal Races
Mayor
Town Council
- Kevin McCarthy
- Rory Roberge
- Scott Preston
There will be 3 Council seats up for election on April 1.
Heartland Community College Trustee
- Laurie Bergner
- Janet Hood
- David Selzer
- Thomas Whitt
There will be 3 Community College Trustee seats up for election on April 1.
Normal Public Library Board Trustee
- Erin Ripley-Gataric
- Katelyn Trunnell
- Susan Lash
There will be 3 Library Board Trustee seats up for election on April 1.
Normal Township Assessor
Democrat candidates: none
Republican candidates: Kent DePew
Normal Township Clerk
Democrat candidates: Dayna Schickedanz
Republican candidates: Karl Sila
Normal Township Highway Commissioner
Democrat candidates: none
Republican candidates: Arin Rader
Normal Township Supervisor
Democrat candidates: Krystle Able
Republican candidates: Chad Berck
Normal Township Trustee
Democrat candidates
Dylan Hile-Broad
Nayoka Griffis
Natasha Syed
Tanner Starr
Republican candidates
Floyd Aper
Mary Cottier
Randall Schaab
Ron Ulmer
There are currently 4 Township Trustee seats up for election on April 1.
Referendums
Proposition to Impose County School Sales Tax
Shall a retailers' occupation tax and a service occupation tax (commonly referred to as a sales tax) be imposed in the County of McLean, Illinois, at a rate of 1% to be used exclusively for school facility purposes, school resource officers, and mental health professionals?
- A 'Yes' vote would be in support of implementing a sales tax to fund school facilities, resource officers, and mental health professionals.
- A 'No' vote would be in opposition of implementing a sales tax to fund school facilities, resource officers, and mental health professionals.
Proposition to Issue $38,000,000 School Building Bonds
Shall the Board of Education of Prairie Central Community Unit School District Number 8, Livingston, McLean, and Ford Counties, Illinois, build and equip an elementary school building; alter, repair and equip the Prairie Central High School, Junior High School, and Upper Elementary School Buildings; improve sites; and issue bonds of said School District to the amount of $38,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?
- A 'Yes' vote would be in support of issuing the bonds to pay for building an elementary school, making improvements to the high school, junior high, and upper elementary schools and upgrading sites.
- A 'No' vote would be in opposition of issuing the bonds to pay for building an elementary school, making improvements to the high school, junior high, and upper elementary schools and upgrading sites.
This page is currently undergoing updates. If you would like to see a full sample ballot, it will be available at the McLean County Clerk's website. To report incorrect links or additional candidate information, email the Center for Civic Engagement.