2027 District Council Election
Interested in Becoming an Elected District Councilor?
Be Part of Chicago's Next Generation of Community Leaders
In 2021, Chicago City Council created a first-of-its kind municipal agency comprised of a citywide Commission that oversees the police department and locally elected District Councils (DCs) that work to address district-level public safety and policing concerns.
The first DCs were elected in 2023. Now, Chicago is preparing to elect the second-ever class of District Councilors in 2027! If you are passionate about public safety, community engagement, and making a difference in your community, consider running for DC.
Lead Your Community. Strengthen Public Safety.
District Councilors serve four-year terms and are elected by voters in their police district on the same ballot as candidates for Mayor and City Council.
- Serve your community as an elected leader
- Help address local public safety and policing concerns
- Strengthen police-community relationships
- Promote transparency, accountability, and community input
What are District Councils?
District Councils are elected public bodies that represent their communities on matters related to public safety and police accountability. Each of Chicago’s 22 police districts has a District Council made up of three elected members serving four-year terms.
District Councils serve as an important voice of the community to local police leadership and the citywide Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (Commission).
What do District Councilors do?
District Councils receive a $500 monthly stipend for their service and spend 20+ hours per month on the following:
Host Monthly Community Meetings
Create a space where residents can share concerns, discuss local public safety issues, and work together to identify solutions.
Engage Your Community
Build relationships with residents, neighborhood organizations, and local stakeholders to ensure diverse voices are heard and represented.
Work with Police District Leadership
Maintain an open line of communication with district leadership to foster collaboration and address community priorities.
Support Restorative Justice Initiatives
Help develop programs and initiatives that promote community policing, restorative justice, and stronger neighborhood partnerships.
Advise the Commission
Provide recommendations and community-driven feedback to help inform citywide public safety policies and priorities.
Collaborate with Other DCs
Work alongside District Councilors from other police districts to share ideas, best practices, and successful community initiatives.
Shape Citywide Priorities
Participate in quarterly meetings with District Councils across the city to identify emerging trends, address shared challenges, and recommend priorities.
How to Decide if You Should Run for District Council
You may be a strong candidate for District Council if you:
- Are prepared to serve a four-year term
- Can dedicate at least 20 hours per month to the role
- Are comfortable serving in a public position
- Are committed to transparency, ethics, and public service
- Have strong ties to your neighborhood or police district
- Care about public safety and community well-being
- Can work collaboratively with others
- Respect diverse viewpoints
- Like other elected officials in Chicago, you do not need a background in law enforcement or government to serve.
Legal Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for District Council, candidates must:
- Be a registered voter
- Reside within the police district for one year prior to the election
- Meet all the requirements established by the Chicago Board of Elections and applicable law
- Submit required nominating petitions and filing paperwork by the established deadlines.
The Chicago Board of Elections is responsible for determining candidate eligibility and administering the election process. Prospective candidates should consult the Board of Elections for official information regarding eligibility, petition requirements, filing, procedures, and election deadlines.
Election Timeline & Important Dates
July 28, 2026
Petition Circulation Begins
October 19–26, 2026
Petition Filing Period
February 23, 2027
Election Day
The Petition Process and Key Election Dates
One of the first steps in running for District Council is completing the nominating petition process.
A nominating petition is an official election document that allows prospective candidates to demonstrate they have community support to appear on the ballot. Candidates collect signatures from registered voters who live in the police district they want to represent.
Once petition circulation begins on July 28, 2026, prospective candidates may begin collecting signatures. After collecting the required number of valid signatures, candidates submit their petitions and any required filing paperwork to the Chicago Board of Elections during the filing period of October 19 through October 26, 2026.
Questions about the role and responsibilities of District Councilors may be directed to CCPSA. Questions regarding eligibility, petitions, filing requirements, or election administration should be directed to the Chicago Board of Elections.
