Expert: Dennis - 11/28/2006

Question
what are the requirements to become an alderman? i live in chicago (i don't know if that makes a difference) thanks!

Answer
Basically, the requirements to hold public office are the same as to vote for public office. There are exceptions when you have technical offices, such as judge, assessor, Supt. of schools, etc.

To be an alderman in Chicago, you must be at least 18 years old, and have lived in the Ward for 30 days, and be a registered voter (which, of course, means that you have to be a citizen). You must also obtain a number of signatures on your petition in order to get your name printed on the ballot. That number varies from election to election and Ward to Ward. It is based on the number of people that voted in the previous election for that office.