---
title: Evanston election words, explained
url: https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/election-words/
updated: 2026-10-16
source_policy: every fact carries a numbered source; [n] markers refer to the Sources list
---

[Home](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/) / [Explainers](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/) / Election words, explained Explainer · Published Fri Oct 16, 2026

# Election words, explained

More explainers

1. [Why is Evanston electing a mayor in 2027?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/why-special-election/)
2. [Who serves as Evanston’s mayor until the election?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/acting-mayor/)
3. [Will Evanston have a mayoral primary in February 2027?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/february-primary/)
4. [What does Evanston’s mayor do?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/what-does-the-mayor-do/)
5. [What’s the difference between District 65 and District 202?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/d65-vs-d202/)
6. [Can Skokie residents vote in Evanston’s school board elections?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/skokie-voters-school-boards/)
7. [What is the Oakton College board election?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/oakton-college-board/)
8. [How do I vote by mail in Evanston?](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/vote-by-mail/)

[All explainers →](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/explainers/)

Short answer

Four terms you will see before April 6, 2027: alder, council–manager, consolidated election and grace period.

## Alder

A member of Evanston’s City Council. The council is the mayor plus nine councilmembers, one for each ward. [1]

## Council–manager

Evanston’s form of government: an elected council and a professional city manager. [1] The mayor votes on hiring or firing the city manager. [2]

## Consolidated election

Illinois’s local election in April of odd-numbered years, when voters choose officials such as mayors and school board members. Evanston’s next one is Tuesday, April 6, 2027. [3][4]

## Grace period

After regular registration closes, you can still register in person, with two forms of ID, and vote, through Election Day. For April 6, 2027, the grace period runs March 10 through April 6. [3][5]

Related

- [How to vote](https://evanstonvoterguide.com/vote/)

## Sources

1. City of Evanston — City Council — https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/city_council/index.php
2. Evanston RoundTable — Council nixes expanding mayor’s voting power (June 3, 2025) — https://evanstonroundtable.com/2025/06/03/council-nixes-expanding-mayors-voting-power-raises-bar-for-acting-mayor-in-new-rules/
3. Illinois State Board of Elections — 2027 Election & Campaign Finance Calendar (via Running for Office) — https://www.elections.il.gov/RunningForOffice.aspx?MID=rOlNCTNZd9A%3D
4. ETHS District 202 — Board of Education elections — https://www.eths202.org/board-of-education/elections
5. Cook County Clerk — Election Day registration and voting — https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/voter-registration/election-day-registration-and-voting