Lightfoot filed his re-election petition on the last day

CHICAGO — Mayor Lori Lightfoot is filing her nomination petitions Monday morning, the last possible day to file with the Chicago Board of Elections

Lightfoot is seeking a second term after filing for and defeating Cook County Council President Toni Preckwinkle four years ago when facing candidates with name recognition was considered difficult.

While the advantage of filing later allows more time to collect signatures and less time for opponents to challenge the signatures on the petition, there are still six challengers who filed on the first day.

Historically, candidates file their petitions on the first day, a week in advance, to show more political power and get to the top of the ballot — and that’s considered an advantage.

The last place is considered the next best place.

To get on the ballot on February 28, candidates must collect at least 12,500 signatures.