The next Consolidated Election will be held in April 2025. Positively Naperville hosts candidate forums only for Municipal Elections. Thanks for all interest.
2023 Municipal Election Campaign Season / Online Forums hosted by Senior Task Force and Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation
Alert! Remember! / This is the first consolidated election in DuPage County where ballots will be 100 percent paper. DuPage County is providing optimum access to DuPage’s 610,000 voters, including Vote-by-Mail, Permanent Vote-by-Mail, more Early Voting locations, and 273 polling places on Election Day, April 4, with the option to vote anywhere. Remind other DuPage County voters regarding the change!
Round 1 / Jan. 31, 2023
Round 1 includes introductions to all 11 City Council candidates. Note the 2-minute introductory bios of every candidate at the beginning.
Round 2 / Feb. 28, 2023
During Round 2, instead of introductions, the hopefuls were given time at the end to wrap up their campaigns so far.
City Council Forum hosted by Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation and Senior Task Force
Round 3 / March 14, 2023
The Mayoral Candidate Forum includes introductions and closing remarks by all three hopefuls.
Mayoral Candidates Public Forum hosted by Senior Task Force and Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation / 7PM Tues., March 14, Council Chambers. Pablo Araya served as moderator when Tiffany Stephens, Scott Wehrli and Benny White participated live from the dais. (PN assisted sponsoring organizations to present/promote this event.) The three candidates for Naperville Mayor to serve on the 9-member City Council and approximately 95 spectators attended this public forum held at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street. Public was welcome to attend. The forum was broadcast live on the City’s Government Access TV, then rebroadcast on NCTV-17. The link to the forum is featured below this commentary.
Early Voting is now in progress…
Click here to most recent ‘Get Out the Vote’ featuring candidates on April 4 ballot…
Naperville Pre-Election Day Calendar / Click Above!
Now thru April 4, 2023 / 2023 Nonpartisan Consolidated Election Reminder / From Naperville City Council to the Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners and School District 203 to School District 204 Boards of Education and to College of DuPage Board of Trustees, time has arrived to become familiar with important dates during this nonpartisan election campaign as well as the names and qualifications of all candidates running to serve local governing bodies…
Now / Mixed among those important voter dates are “meet and greet” events for candidates as well as public forums. Those dates in bold red below have been submitted by the candidates’ campaign committees and will be hosted in February and/or March. Take advantage of opportunities to meet face-to-face with folks who want to serve the City you chose to call home.
Now / Below the calendar listing of events that follows, all 27 candidates’ names are listed with the governing body they aim to serve and as they will appear on the ballot.
Now / This online publication welcomes all candidates to list meet and greet events and fundraisers as well as forums that are open to the public. Events will be added as received from sponsoring organization or candidate. All interest is appreciated. Check back often!
Naperville Nonpartisan Consolidated Election Events
January 2023
Jan. 4, 2023 / First Day to Request Vote-By-Mail Ballot. Click HERE for details to Vote-By Mail in DuPage County in the event of travel plans take you away on Election Day, April 4, 2023. / Click HERE for Vote-By-Mail in Will County.
Jan. 21, 2023 / Campaign events posted prior to January 21 have been saved on the original calendar, previously posted on Jan. 6, 2023. Many of the events that follow are new and others have been updated. Thanks for reading.
Jan. 31, 2023 / FYI / The following 90-minute video from January 31, 2023, features the first City Council Candidates Public Forum with introductions to all 11 City Council candidates. Note their 2-minute introductory bios at the beginning. During the next City Council Candidate Forum on Feb. 28, instead of introductions, the hopefuls will be given time at the end to wrap up their campaigns so far.
Now / Watch City Council meetings and workshops available around the clock.
Now / Registration is open for entries in the West Suburban Irish St. Patrick’s Parade on Sat., March 11, 2023. For more than 25 years, the popular parade has been a fun way to introduce many spectators to candidates running in the nonpartisan Consolidated Election in April. Naperville loves its parades! Click here for parade info. To go directly to register, click here.
February 2023
Feb. 1, 2023 / Nag Jaiswal for Naperville City Council Fundraiser / Campaign Kick-Off for Nag Jaiswal will be held from 5-7PM Wed., Feb. 1 at VAI’S-Naperville, located at 916 S. Route 59. Donation: $50. Sponsorships available. For more info: visit Nag Jaiswal.
Now through Feb. 28, 2023 / Meet Ron Amato, Candidate for 203 Board of Education, for Coffee! Ronald Amato, candidate for School District 203 Board of Education, wants to meet, listen and learn from citizens who live in School District 203. To arrange a time for a coffee date, voters are encouraged to contact him at amatofor203@gmail.com. For more info: visit Ronald Amato.
Feb. 3, 2023 / Patrick Kelly for Naperville City Council Fundraiser / Join friends of Patrick Kelly for his fundraiser from 6 to 8PM Fri., Feb. 3, at Solemn Oath Brewery, located at 1661 Quincy Avenue Suite 179. Suggested Minimum Donation: $40. For more info: visit Patrick Kelly.
Feb. 3, 2023 / NCTV-17 launches its Naperville Election 2023 Candidates / Watch the series of Liz Spencer interviews as she meets all the candidates running in the nonpartisan Consolidated Election on April 4, 2023. For more info: visit www.nctv17.org.
Feb. 4, 2023 / Josh McBroom, Candidate for Naperville City Council, Ice Cream Social at Colonial Cafe / Join friends and meet Josh McBroom for ice cream from 2-5PM Sat., Feb. 4, at Colonial Cafe, 8 W. Gartner Road. Reserve a spot: $25 per family. Sponsorships available. For more info: visit Josh McBroom.
Feb. 4, 2023 / Meghna Bansal, Candidate for Naperville City Council, Campaign Kick-Off / Meet and greet Meghna Bansal at Embassy Suites, 1823 Abriter Court (just north off Diehl Road) from 2PM to 4PM Sat., Feb 4. No admission charge. Refreshments will be served, compliments of Meghna Bansal and friends. For more info: visit Meghna Bansal.
Feb. 6, 2023, until Election Day / Meet Gilbert Wagner, candidate for School District 203 Board of Education. This opportunity is an open invite. Now till the election time! Gilbert Wagner, candidate for School District 203 Board of Education would like to meet with you to discuss thoughts on District 203. To arrange a meet and greet, contact Gilbert Wagner at wagnerfordistrict203@gmail.com. For more info: visit Gilbert Wagner.
Feb. 11, 2023 / Meet & Greet Scott Wehrli for coffee at Quigley’s Irish Pub / Candidate for Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli will welcome folks for complimentary coffee and conversation from 10AM to 11:15AM Sat., Feb. 11, in the Cottage Room at Quigley’s Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson Ave., in downtown Naperville. Hosted by Jim Penick. For more info: visit Scott Wehrli.
Feb. 20, 2023 / Presidents Day – Schools are closed is District 203 and District 204. Stock Market is closed. USPS will not deliver today. Most Naperville banks are closed. Secretary of State Offices are closed.
Feb. 20, 2023 / Meet & Greet for City Council Candidate Nate Wilson at Quigley’s Irish Pub / Candidate for Naperville City Council Nate Wilson will welcome folks for a beverage and conversation from 6:15PM to 8PM Mon., Feb. 20. Quigley’s Irish Pub is located at 43 E. Jefferson Avenue in downtown Naperville. No admission charge. Donations welcome. For more info: visit Nate Wilson.
Feb. 20, 2023 / Naperville City Council Virtual Forum hosted by League of Women Voters of Naperville / LWV Naperville will host first of its series of forums virtually via Zoom beginning at 7PM Mon., Feb. 20. Advanced registration is required. The registration links will be found on lwvnaperville.org closer to the actual event date. The events are also planned to be run in real time via Facebook Live and planned to be posted on the League of Women Voters of Naperville YouTube channel after the event for prospective voter viewing. (Also see Feb. 23, March 6 and March 7.)
Feb. 21, 2023 / Naperville City Council meets at 7PM Tues., Feb. 21. Watch City Council meetings, workshops and other special events held in Council Chambers, 400 S. Eagle Street, on WCNC Government Access Television (Ch. 6-Astound, Ch. 10 – Comcast, Ch. 99 – AT&T) “live” and/or saved in the City’s archive. Watch streaming and online at naperville.legistar.com. Find an archive of past meetings saved here.
Feb. 21, 2023 / School District 203 Board of Education Meeting is 7PM Tues., Feb. 21 / Use the link below to access the NCUSD 203 Board of Education Meeting on Tues., Feb. 21, 2023. This meeting will be held at District Administration Building, 203 W. Hillside Road. For more info: visit go.boarddocs.com/il/naperville203/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.
Feb. 22, 2023 / Josh McBroom, Candidate for Naperville City Council, aims to “Protect What Makes Naperville Special.” / Join friends and meet Josh McBroom for pizza and conversation from 6:30 to 8:30PM Wed., Feb. 22, at Aurelio’s Pizza, 1975 Springbrook Square Drive. Reserve a spot: $25 per person. Sponsorships available. For more info: visit Josh McBroom.
***Feb. 23, 2023 / The first day Vote-By-Mail Ballots can be mailed out. Voting also begins at the DuPage County Fair Grounds. PN editors are hopeful local voters will take advantage of opportunities (many featured throughout this month and March) to meet all the candidates before heading to the polls.
Feb. 23, 2023 / Naperville Mayoral Virtual Forum hosted by League of Women Voters of Naperville / LWV Naperville will host second in its series of forums virtually via Zoom beginning at 7PM Thurs., Feb. 23. Advanced registration is required. The registration links will be found on lwvnaperville.org closer to the actual event date.
Feb. 24, 2023 / City Council Candidates Public Forum / A Community Dinner and City of Naperville Candidates Forum will be hosted by Islamic Center of Naperville at their Ogden Mosque, located at 2844 W. Ogden Ave., Naperville, IL 60540. The public is welcome to attend beginning at 6PM until 9PM on Fri., Feb. 24.
Feb. 27, 2023 / Fundraiser for Chris Jacks, Candidate for Naperville Park District Commissioner / Join Chris Jacks for a fundraiser from 5:30PM to 8:30PM on Mon., Feb. 27, at Quigley’s Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson Ave. in Naperville. Cost is $50 per person, $25 for Precinct Committeemen. To register in advance, go to my web site at Reserve for my Fundraiser. Cash/checks/credit cards the evening of the fundraiser. For more info: visit Chris Jacks.
Feb. 28, 2023 / Ann Jansen, Jackie & Pat Pajor, Jen & Tony DiNello, Jennifer & Lance Jansen host Munch & Mingle with Scott Wehrli, Candidate for Mayor of Naperville / Join friends from 5:30PM to 8PM Tues., Feb. 28, for beverages and light snacks to learn more about candidacy of Scott Wehrli at the Naperville Woman’s Club, 14 S. Washington St. Remarks at 6:30PM, followed by Q&A. For more info: visit Scott Wehrli.
Watch live this evening! Meet the candidates…
Feb. 28, 2023 / City Council Candidates Public Forum Round 2 hosted by Senior Task Force and Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation / 7PM Tues., Feb. 28, City Council Chambers. Ten of 11 candidates running in the nonpartisan Consolidated Election for Naperville City Council have replied that they will attend this public forum to be held at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street. Twenty-six-year Naperville resident, entrepreneur and current president of the Naperville Development Partnership Mark Wright will serve as moderator. (PN is assisting sponsoring organizations to present/promote this event, the second of three co-sponsored forums to feature hopefuls running to serve as City Council members and Naperville Mayor. Also save the date for the Mayoral Candidate Forum on March 14, 2023.) Council Chambers also will be open for individual seating in advance of the forum set to begin at 7PM. KidsMatter volunteers will serve as ushers to pass out programs. Public welcome!
FYI / The following 90-minute video from January 31, 2023, features the first City Council Candidates Public Forum with introductions to all 11 City Council candidates.
Now / Watch City Council meetings and workshops available around the clock. Watch City Council meetings, workshops and other special events held in Council Chambers on WCNC Government Access Television (Ch. 6-Astound, Ch. 10 – Comcast, Ch. 99 – AT&T) “live” and/or saved in the City’s archive. Watch streaming and online at naperville.legistar.com. Find an archive of past meetings saved here.
March 2023
Now thru Election Day / NCTV-17 launched its Naperville Election 2023 Candidates in early February / Watch the series of Liz Spencer interviews as she meets all the candidates running in the nonpartisan Consolidated Election on April 4, 2023. For more info: visit www.nctv17.org.
March 1, 2023 / The March print publication of Positively Naperville will begin distribution. The centerfold again will feature all candidates running in the nonpartisan Consolidated Election. A listing of meet-and-greet events provided by candidates before Feb. 24, 2023, also will be included.
March 8, 2023 / Naperville City Council Candidate Forum to Focus on the Environment / A City Council Candidate Forum is set for 7PM Wed., March 8, at First Congregational Church, 25 E. Benton. Candidates will be asked a set of questions about their views on how Naperville city government can address environmental issues. Voters will learn candidates’ plans to address the environmental impact of Naperville’s energy supply, transportation, and infrastructure. Audience members may submit questions. The candidate forums are cosponsored by Naperville Environmental Sustainability Task Force (NEST); First Congregational Church, Naperville; and the Greater Naperville Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL). For more info, visit sustainnaperville.org/april-4-election.
March 9, 2023 / Mayor’s Annual State of the City Address / For details with a little history, click here. Hosted by the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, this Signature Event begins with registration at 4PM Thurs., March 9, at the Wentz Concert Hall. On Feb. 28, seats for members and guests remain available. For more info, click here: www.naperville.net.
March 11, 2023 / West Suburban Irish St. Patrick’s Parade / The WSI St. Patrick’s Parade steps off at 10AM Sat., March 11, meandering through downtown Naperville. Candidates appear to enjoy this festive family-friendly event when everybody’s Irish, marching with supporters and campaign signs to remind voters that the nonpartisan Consolidated Election follows soon. For 2023, the election for Naperville Mayor and City Council, Naperville Park Board of Commissioners, School Districts 203 and 204 Boards of Education as well as College of DuPage Board of Trustees is April 4. For parade registration info, visit www.wsirish.org. Naperville loves its parades!
March 13, 2023 / Naperville Mayoral Candidate Forum to Focus on the Environment / A Mayoral Candidate Forum is set for 7PM Mon., March 13, at First Congregational Church, 25 E. Benton. Candidates will be asked a set of questions about their views on how Naperville city government can address environmental issues. Voters will learn candidates’ plans to address the environmental impact of Naperville’s energy supply, transportation, and infrastructure. Audience members may submit questions. The candidate forums are cosponsored by Naperville Environmental Sustainability Task Force (NEST); First Congregational Church, Naperville; and the Greater Naperville Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL). For more info, visit sustainnaperville.org/april-4-election.
March 13, 2023 / Safe Suburbs Local Election Social / Safe Suburbs Local Election Social is planned 6-8PM Mon., March 13, at Go Brewing, 1665 Quincy Ave Suite # 155. Tickets: $50 each. Meet and greet local candidates running in the 2023 Consolidated Election. Become updated on the status of important legislation that pertains to public safety, voting trends in Will County, and perspectives from officers on the challenges they encounter on the job. Speakers will include Senate Minority Leader John Curran, Will County Clerk Lauren Staley, Naperville Councilwoman Jennifer Bruzan Taylor, and Retired Police Officer Maria Reyes. For more info, visit Safe Suburbs Local Election Social.
March 14, 2023 / Mayoral Candidates Public Forum hosted by Senior Task Force and Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation / 7PM Tues., March 14, City Council Chambers. Save the date. Details coming soon. (PN is assisting sponsoring organizations to present/promote this event.) The three candidates for Naperville Mayor to serve City Council have replied that they will attend this public forum to be held at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street. Public welcome to attend.
March 16, 2023 / Naperville City Council Candidate Forum hosted by Indian Community Outreach / A City Council Candidate Forum is set for 6PM Thurs., March 16, in the Council Chambers at the Naperville Municipal Center. Candidates will be asked a set of questions about their views on various issues and topics that face the Naperville city government. Voters will learn candidates’ plans for the future of Naperville City as our demographics keep changing. Audience members may submit questions. This candidate forum is supported by Indian Community Outreach.
March 16, 2023 / Women’s History Month Celebration and Fundraiser for Rebecca Malotke-Meslin for City Council / 6-8 PM Thurs., March 16, at Go Brewing, 1665 Quincy Ave Suite # 155. $25 per person (cash bar). For more details and to register, visit Women’s History Month. For more info, visit Rebecca Malotke-Meslin.
***March 20, 2023 / Early In-person Voting begins 15 days prior to Nonpartisan Consolidated Election Day.
-
Mail-in or early in-person voting is important for 2023 since spring breaks happen at the end of March through the beginning of April. Naperville residents in DuPage County and Will County can vote early at the Naperville Municipal Center. Hours are daily, March 20 through April 3, posted for in-person voting for voters who will be away on April 4.
- DuPage County residents can vote early in the Media Room of the Jack T. Knuepfer Administration Building at 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton; visit dupageco.org/election for details.
- Will County residents can vote early at the Will County Clerk’s Office, 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet; visit thewillcountyclerk.com/elections/early-voting for details.
April 2023
***Election Day / Polls open 6AM to 7PM Tues., April 4***
Voter Information for DuPage County / Register to Vote & More
Voter Information for Will County / Register to Vote & Voter-Services
*Naperville nonpartisan Consolidated Election features 27 hopefuls running for 4-year seats
Official candidate websites (not social media) are linked to this website by personal candidate request or receipt of press release. Thanks to all candidates for throwing their hats into the ring. Former candidates, winners as well as losers, have told us more than once that campaigning—getting to know the community and meeting potential voters—is a most rewarding experience.
We are grateful to live in a community where every empty seat on the Naperville City Council, Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners and both school boards has a candidate running to fill it.
*Watch how locally elected officials govern
The following highlighted governing bodies are linked to online posts on official websites where the public can observe past meetings saved in archives:
Naperville City Council
Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners
Naperville Unit School District 203 Board of Education
Indian Prairie Unit School District 204 Board of Education
Watch upcoming meetings as they stream live, too. Note also in photos below that the sun really does shine in Naperville. —PN
Naperville City Council
City of Naperville Mission: To provide services that ensure a high quality of life, sound fiscal management, and a dynamic business environment, while creating an inclusive community that values diversity.
Naperville Mayor / Three candidates, Benjamin (Benny) White, Scott Wehrli* and Tiffany Stephens, are vying for the four-year seat of Naperville Mayor on the Naperville City Council.
*Scott Wehrli was elected to served Naperville City Council.
Naperville City Council Members / Eleven candidates currently are vying for four four-year seats on the Naperville City Council. Listed here in ballot order are Nag Jaiswal, Rebecca Malotke-Meslin, Josh McBroom*, Jodi Trendler, Patrick Kelly*, Nathan “Nate” Wilson*, Ashfaq Syed, Meghna Bansal, Ashley South, Allison Longenbaugh*, and Madhu Uppal.
*Josh McBroom, Patrick Kelly, Nate Wilson and Allison Logenbaugh were elected to served Naperville City Council.
Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners
Naperville Park District Mission: We provide recreation and park experiences that promote healthy lives, healthy minds and a healthy community.
Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners / By Dec. 12, 2022, four candidates had turned in petition packets to serve three four-year seats on the NPD Board of Commissioners. Candidates are Christopher Jacks*, John Risvold*, Rich Janor* and Mahboube “Michelle” Haghighi.
*Christopher Jacks, John Risvold and Rich Janor were elected to served Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners.
Naperville School District 203 Board of Education
Mission Statement: Our mission is to educate students to be self-directed learners, collaborative workers, complex thinkers, quality producers, and community contributors.
School District 203 / By Dec. 12, 2022, six candidates had turned in petition packets to run for three four-year seats on the 203 BOE. Candidates are Joe Kozminski*, Kristine Gericke*, Barbara Higg, Gilbert Wagner, Ronald Amato and Melissa Kelly Black*.
*Joe Kozminski, Kristine Gericke and Melissa Kelly Black were elected to serve School District 203 Board of Ed.
Indian Prairie School District 204 Board of Education
Mission Statement: The mission of Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204 is to inspire all students to achieve their greatest potential.
School District 204 / By Dec. 12, 2022, three candidates had turned in petition packets to run for three four-year seats on the 204 BOE. Candidates are Justin Karubas*, Mark Rising* and Catey Genc*. Though no contest will be needed here, it’s important to watch school board meetings and get to know the issues and the candidates.
*Running unopposed, candidates Justin Karubus, Mark Rising and Catey Genc were seated.
College of DuPage Board of Trustees
Mission Statement: The mission of the College of DuPage Foundation is to obtain and steward contributions to expand educational and cultural opportunities for the College of DuPage Community.
The main campus of College of DuPage is located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. COD Centers also are located in Addison, Carol Stream, Naperville and Westmont.
College of DuPage Board of Trustees / Three candidates are running to fill two six-year seats. Candidates are Haroon Atcha, Christine M. Fenne* and Andrew R. Manno*. Candidate information and official documents are available on the Illinois State Board of Elections website: www.elections.il.gov.
*Christine M. Fenne and Andrew R. Manno were elected.
Local elections matter most…
Be prepared to vote where it matters most—locally. Vote where you can meet, greet and get to know candidates who make decisions with the biggest impact on Naperville. Become familiar with elected officials, public policies and budgets up close. Attend public meetings or watch saved meetings in the archives of the City, school districts or Naperville Park District. Thank you.
Many residents claim to have voter fatigue. If you’re in that condition, rest up! Be energized with knowledge that locally elected officials are the ones that impact your life the most. All eligible voters are urged to get to know the candidates, their qualifications and their commitment to community service in Naperville. Be informed by Consolidated Election Day, April 4, 2023.
Thanks for reading and paying attention. PN will begin focusing on the issues in this election beginning in March and through the election at www.election.positivelynaperville.com.
The February 2023 issue of PN is now available at more than 25 locations around town. Pick up a copy and read the centerfold for a list of candidates. Thanks for reading!
FYI: Click here to view previously posted calendar of January events. That calendar will remain online, but will NOT be updated.
Originally Posted, Jan. 21, 2023; Updated Feb. 28, 2023, Updated, April 3, 2023, Last Updated, Jan. 23, 2024.
