Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.

 General Primary Election
March 17, 2026

Be an informed voter. Learn what’s on your ballot at IllinoisVoterGuide.org.

Key Dates

  • TBD | First day to apply for a Vote by Mail ballot

  • February 5, 2026 | Board of Elections begins to send out Vote by Mail ballots

  • February 5, 2026 | Early Voting & Registration opens at downtown Supersite (191 N Clark) and Board of Elections Office (69 W Washington)

  • February 17, 2026 | Last day to submit paper voter registration forms (online and in-person registration remains available)

  • March 1, 2026 | Last day for online voter registration (in-person registration is available through Election Day)

  • March 2, 2026 | Early Voting & Registration opens in all 50 wards

  • March 12, 2026 | Last day to apply for a Vote By Mail ballot

  • March 17, 2026 | General Election Day (6 am–7 pm)

Even if you think you are a registered voter, it is quick and easy to confirm. If you aren't registered, learn how to register. 

 

How to Vote

Vote by Mail 

All registered voters in Chicago are eligible to vote by mail. Learn more and apply for a Vote By Mail ballot.

  • TBD | Applications for Vote By Mail ballots open

  • February 5, 2026 | Election Board begins to send out Vote by Mail ballots

  • March 12, 2026 | Last day to apply for Vote By Mail ballot

  • March 17, 2026 | Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day

  • March 31, 2026 | Last day that a Vote By Mail ballot may arrive to be included in the count

Vote Early

If you are unable to vote on Election Day or just want to skip the lines, vote early. Find an early voting location. Early voting ballots are final. You can also register to vote at every early voting site.

  • February 5, 2026 | Early Voting & Registration opens at downtown Supersite (191 N Clark) and Board of Elections Office (69 W Washington)

  • March 2, 2026 | Early Voting & Registration opens in all 50 wards

Vote on Election Day — Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Find your voting location. The location of your polling place may have changed. Polling place hours are 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are in line by 7 p.m., you are entitled to vote.

Same-day voter registration is available at all precinct polling places and vote centers. No ID is required to vote in your home precinct on Election Day unless you are voting for the first time and have registered by mail without verification. ​

Election Protection Hotline

Have questions about voting? Call or text 866-OUR-VOTE to speak with a trained Election Protection volunteer.

ENGLISH 866-OUR-VOTE 866-687-8683

SPANISH 888-VE-Y-VOTA 888-839-8682

ASIAN LANGUAGES 888-API-VOTE 888-274-8683

ARABIC 844-YALLA-US 844-925-5287

Research Your Ballot

Illinois Voter Guide

Use the nonpartisan Illinois Voter Guide to find your ballot, learn about candidates, opt-in for election reminders, find your polling place, and save and print your ballot to take with you to the polls! Candidate information will become available as the election nears.

WTTW Voter Guide

The WTTW Voter Guide, sponsored by LWV Cook County, presents nonpartisan information on each of the candidates.

Learn More About School Board Candidates

Use Chalkbeat’s Voter Guide to find your school board district and learn about the candidates for Chicago’s Board of Education.

Learn More About Judges

Vote for Judges and Injustice Watch are both great resources for diving deeper into the judges on your ballot.

What’s on the ballot in Chicago?

To be announced. Check back later for more information.