U.S. Senator (IL-Sr.)

Description

Each of the 50 United States is represented by two United States Senators, and the 100 senators serve in the United States Senate, which along with the United States Congress comprise the entire federal legislative branch of U.S. Government. U.S. Senators are responsible for drafting and voting on federal laws for the United States. The work of preparing and considering legislation is done by standing committees, and in addition there are special committees as well as joint committees (committees with U.S. Representatives and Senators). The U.S. Senate has special duties including the responsibility to confirm major presidential appointments, including Supreme Court Justices. All U.S. treaties with other countries must be approved by a 2/3rds vote in the Senate, and U.S. Senators vote upon impeachment of elected officials, with a 2/3rds vote for impeachment resulting in the removal of office. Congressional bills, after having been passed by the Senate and House of Representatives, must be signed by the president of the United States within 10 days of their submission, or they become law automatically, unless Congress is not in session. If vetoed by the president, a bill may become law only by its repassage by a two-thirds majority in each house. The Constitution requires a regular annual meeting of Congress, which begins on Jan. 3 each year. The proceedings of Congress are recorded in the Congressional Record, and U.S. Senators have offices in Washington D.C. and often in several locations in their home states to address concerns of the citizens they represent. The yearly salary for a United States Senator is $174,000.

Application Guidelines

To run for this position you must contact the County Clerk's Elections Division in which you reside, or the Illinois State Board of Elections. Be aware that the filing window is typically only one week long, however the period for circulating petitions for signatures and preparing your paperwork is much longer (typically 90 days). If you are considering running, contact the County Clerk as soon as possible to verify that you are eligible to run for this position, and to clarify the requirements for running (petition signatures, filing fees, etc.) The County Clerks and the State Board of Elections are the administrators for the elections and their purpose is to help voters and candidates, so contact them as soon as possible. Additionally, please use the weblink to the Candidate Guide provided by the State of Illinois on this page.

Submit application to:
Illinois State Board of Elections, 2329 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL, 62704, US