When the date for the 2008 judicial election primary was moved up by the state legislature to Tuesday, Feb. 5, various schedules for candidate filings had to be accelerated.

The first day for judicial candidates to file petitions for vacancies has been advanced from Dec. 1 to Monday, Oct. 29. The filing period will close Monday, Nov. 5.

A supplemental filing period for vacancies that occur between Oct. 15 and Nov. 5 will take place from Monday, Nov. 19, to Nov. 26.

Sitting circuit judges and appellate justices who seek retention in November 2008 must declare their intentions by Monday, Dec. 3.

The Illinois State Bar Association, along with other members of the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening, will begin during the week of Sept. 17 to evaluate primary election candidates who submit early applications.

The Alliance hopes to complete all evaluations by Friday, Dec. 14, and finalize ratings by Friday, Jan. 4, so results can be announced before the early voting period starts on Monday, Jan. 14.