The Race for Ballot Position: Bill Morton Takes First Step Toward City Hall

Bill Morton files nomination papers for 49th Ward Alderperson in the February 23, 2027, Chicago municipal election.

The race for ballot position began early Monday morning, October 19, 2026, as candidates gathered to file their nomination papers for Chicago’s February 2027 municipal election.

I arrived at 5 a.m. with Trudy Leong and secured 15th position in line to file my nomination papers for 49th Ward Alderperson. Some candidates had camped out for a day to secure an earlier position in line, making the filing process a competition of its own before the election campaign even reaches the ballot.

My filing was officially accepted at 9:31:06 a.m. on October 19, 2026, for the February 23, 2027, Municipal Election for Alderperson of the 49th Ward.

From Petition Signatures to Official Filing

Getting to this point took months of organizing, gathering petition signatures, and connecting with residents across Rogers Park and the 49th Ward. Monday morning marked our next step: submitting the paperwork required to seek a place on the ballot.

The filing process included submitting my Statement of Candidacy, a receipt for my Statement of Economic Interests, and my bound nominating papers containing the petition signatures collected for the campaign.

Election officials received the nominating papers, photographed the package, and measured it. Our completed package measured two inches thick—a tangible reminder of the work that went into collecting signatures and preparing the filing.

With the papers accepted, the next step is the election authorities’ review of the petitions and the determination of which candidates qualify for the ballot.

A Busy Morning for Chicago Candidates

Hundreds of candidates were lining up to file for municipal offices across Chicago, each working to secure a ballot position for February’s election.

The race for ballot position is an established part of the election process. Filing order can matter because candidates who submit their paperwork earlier, on the first day of filing and in the line before 9am, may receive earlier positions on the ballot, subject to the applicable election rules.

Also among those filing Monday were Ishmael Rufus, Keo Jean-Joseph, and Michael J. Harrington, who submitted petitions to run for 24th Police District Council. They arrived as part of a group that included incumbent 49th Ward Alderwoman Maria Hadden. Their group held 50th position in line.

The Campaign Moves Forward: Bill Morton Takes First Step Toward City Hall

For our campaign, Monday’s filing represents another milestone in a process built around neighborhood involvement and participation in local government.

From gathering petition signatures to properly preparing the paperwork and arriving before sunrise, this effort has depended on the time and contributions of the many people willing to support our Bill Morton for 49th Ward Alderperson campaign.

The February 23, 2027, election is approaching, and the nomination process now moves to the petition-review stage. Once the ballot is finalized, voters in the 49th Ward will have the opportunity to decide who represents them at City Hall.

Thank you to everyone who signed a petition, helped circulate sheets, checked paperwork, and supported our grassroots campaign along the way. Yes, Bill Morton takes first step toward City Hall. The filing is complete, and the work continues. - Bill Morton for 49th Ward Alderperson