CHICAGO () — With the 2026 midterm election approaching, ABC7 Chicago is compiling the key dates, voting options and election resources Illinois residents need before casting their ballots.
Illinois’ midterm election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Polling places will be open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. that day.
Voters may also participate ahead of Election Day, with early voting available from Thursday, Sept. 24, through Friday, Oct. 30, 2026.
Illinois residents can find early voting sites and additional details through the Illinois State Board of Elections website at elections.il.gov.
Registration identification
Anyone registering to vote for the first time or updating a registration address must provide two identification documents. At least one document must show the voter’s current address.
Accepted identification may include employment, school, state or military IDs; passports and driver’s licenses; leases or mortgage documents; utility bills; vehicle registrations; credit or debit cards; and insurance cards.
Voters who are required to show identification but cannot provide an acceptable form may cast a provisional ballot and submit their ID to the appropriate election authority.
Identification rules can differ by polling location. Election officials nevertheless advise voters to bring at least one form of ID to help resolve any questions at the polls.
Mail-in ballots
Voters who requested a mail-in ballot from their election authority by Oct. 29 will have one sent to them.
Mail ballots must carry a Nov. 3 Election Day postmark, although county clerks recommend sending them at least seven days earlier. Changes affecting the U.S. Postal Service could lead to delivery delays. Election authorities will accept eligible mail ballots through Nov. 17.
Election officials also accept ballots delivered in person, and certain jurisdictions provide ballot drop boxes. Voters who requested a mail ballot may still vote at a polling place, but they must turn in the mailed ballot first.
Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin voters can find more election resources, deadlines and important information below.
Illinois Voter Information
Illinois State Board of Elections – Access election guidance, voting frequently asked questions and other official resources.
Candidate lookup – Review the candidates seeking office in Illinois.
Voter Registration information – Learn who can register and how to complete the registration process.
Registration Lookup – Check whether you are currently registered to vote in Illinois.
Polling place locator – Find the polling location assigned to you.
Illinois election dates and deadlines – See the important dates for local, state and federal elections.
Voting Information by county:
Cook County Voter Information
Top Stories
Will County Voter Information
Kane County Voter Information
Kendall County Voter Information
DuPage County Voter Information
McHenry County Voter Information
Lake County (Illinois) Voter Information
Indiana Voter Information
Indiana Voter Portal – The Indiana Voter Portal has information about voter registration, polling locations, voting options and more.
Indiana election dates and deadlines – Important dates for local, state and federal elections.
Indiana Secretary of State – Further information about candidates, campaigns and the election.
Wisconsin Voter Information
My Vote Wisconsin – Information about polling places, candidates and voter registration.
Wisconsin election dates and deadlines – Important dates for local, state and federal elections.
Wisconsin Elections Commission – Further election information.
National Resources
The White House
U.S. Senate
Contact your U.S. Senator
U.S. House of Representatives
Contact your State Representative
Capitol News Illinois contributed to this report.
