Each year, the Village of Cameron holds a caucus to nominate candidates for elected office who will appear on the Spring Election ballot. The caucus is an important part of local civic life and provides residents with an opportunity to participate directly in Village governance by nominating and voting for candidates. The information below explains how the caucus works, who may participate, and what to expect before and after the caucus.

What is a caucus?

A caucus is a method that is used for nominating candidates to be placed on the Spring Election ballot. The Village of Cameron uses this method instead of candidates circulating nomination papers.

When and where is the caucus taking place?

The Village of Cameron's Caucus will take place on *January 12^th, 2026, at 6:00pm at the Village Hall located at 300 N 1st Street, Cameron. Enter from the Birch Avenue side doors.

*This date changes annually. Please check with the Village Clerk for the most updated information.*

Who is eligible to be nominated as a candidate?

A candidate must be a qualified elector and an actual resident of the village at the time of election. A qualified elector is any person who is a United States citizen, 18 years of age or older, who has resided within the municipality for at least 28 days before the election.

Who may nominate candidates at a caucus?

Any qualified elector of the municipality may nominate and vote for candidates at a caucus.

How are candidates nominated?

The Village President will accept nominations from the floor for candidates. All nominations must be seconded by another qualified elector.

Incumbents must be nominated at the caucus and follow the same ballot access procedure as any other candidate. Incumbents are not automatically nominated or placed on the ballot.

How many candidates can be nominated?

There is no limit to the number of candidates that can be nominated at the caucus.  If more than twice the number of candidates to be elected is nominated, a vote is conducted to reduce the number of candidates to twice the number of seats to be filled. Each elector at the caucus is entitled to vote for as many candidates as there are seats to be filled at the election.

For example, if three village trustees are to be elected, each person can vote for three candidates. The six candidates who receive the most votes at the caucus will be nominated and certified to the Municipal Clerk by the caucus chairperson.

What happens if there’s a tie?

In the event two or more candidates receive an equal number of votes, the tie may be broken by drawing lots or by conducting another vote. The method by which the tie is broken will be agreed upon at the beginning of the caucus.

What happens after a caucus?

After a caucus, the Municipal Clerk will notify candidates in writing of their nomination. To qualify for ballot placement, each candidate nominated at the caucus is required to complete a Campaign Registration Statement (ETHCF-1) and a Declaration of Candidacy (EL-162) and file them with the Village Clerk no later than 5:00pm on the 5^th day after receiving the nomination notification.