Running for Office

Monticello City Council

The City of Monticello City Council is comprised of 8 Alderpersons, 1 Mayor, 1 City Clerk, and 1 City Treasurer.

Each Alderperson holds office for a term of 4 years. The terms of office for the 2 Alderpersons in each ward are staggered so that 1 Alderperson is elected from each ward every 2 years.

The Mayor, City Clerk and City Treasurer all hold a term of office for 4 years.

Persons interested in running for a position on the City of Monticello City Council are encouraged to check with the City Clerk for dates associated with future elections.

Candidate Requirements & Qualifications- (65 ILCS 5/3.1-10.5)

1 year residency within the ward of office preceding the consolidated election.
Must be a registered voter.
Must not be in arrears in payment of tax or other indebtedness due to the City of Monticello.
Must not have been convicted of an infamous crime, bribery, perjury or other felony.

The Role of an Alderman (2021 election)

The City of Monticello is an Mayor-Aldermanic form of government, with a City Administrator responsible for daily operations.

The City of Monticello is divided into four wards. Two aldermen from each ward are elected to represent their ward on the City Council. Members of the City Council do receive compensation for their service, although they do not have offices or regular office hours. Mail should be directed to their attention at the Monticello Municipal Building, 210 N Hamilton, Monticello, Illinois 61856. City Council members also receive a city-affiliated email address.

Council members must attend regular city council meetings held the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month, unless the Monday is an official city holiday. Special meetings such as study sessions may also be scheduled with advanced notice.

Aldermen are representative of their wards, and may upon occasion receive communication from constituents. Aldermen are subject to the regulations set forth in the Open Meetings Act, and OMA training.

2021 Election

The next consolidated primary election for City of Monticello elected positions will be in February 23, 2021, and the next consolidate election will be April 6, 2021. The following positions will be determined at this election:

Ward 1, Alderman
Ward 2, Alderman
Ward 3, Alderman
Ward 4, Alderman
Mayor
City Clerk

Important deadlines for candidates regarding the 2021 election are posted below.

Description	Consolidated Primary	Consolidated Election
First day to circulate nomination petitions	August 25, 2020	September 22, 2020
Candidates Filing Period	November 16 - 23, 2020	December 14 - 21, 2020
Last day to file objections to nominating papers for candidates	December 2, 2020
Last day for election official to certify candidates to election authority	December 17, 2020	January 28, 2020
Last day to file a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate	December 24, 2020	February 4, 2020

Signatures Required for Petition	Consolidated Primary	Consolidated Election
Ward 1	25	Min 4, max 54
Ward 2	25	Min 5, max 55
Ward 3	25	Min 3, max 53
Ward 4	25	Min 11, Max 61

Ward Map

View a map of the City of Monticello's ward boundaries (PDF):

Ward 1 - Northeast quadrant
Ward 2 - Southeast quadrant
Ward 3 - Southwest quadrant
Ward 4 - Northwest quadrant

For More Information
For more information, contact the City of Monticello at 217.762.2583.