Illinois primary elections 2026: Early voting begins in parts of Illinois Thursday for primary election

In Illinois, many counties are gearing up for early voting, which kicks off on Thursday for the March primary. This includes counties such as Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will, providing residents the opportunity to make their voices heard ahead of time.

Chicago is set to open its early voting locations on February 12, with two key sites at 137 South State and 69 West Washington ready to welcome voters. From March 2, early voting will expand across all 50 wards of the city, ensuring accessible options for all Chicagoans.

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Meanwhile, suburban Cook County will see its early voting commence on March 2, though the start dates may vary depending on the specific locality within the county. This staggered approach allows for a smooth voting process tailored to the needs of each area.

For those looking to participate in the 2026 primary elections, detailed voter information for Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin is available through designated platforms, ensuring everyone stays informed and engaged in the democratic process.

2026 primary elections: Click here for voter information in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin

For suburban Cook County, early voting begins March 2, depending on where you live.

SEE ALSO: US Postal Service changes could delay mail-in ballots for upcoming Illinois primary election

For people in DuPage County, leaders there say early and vote-by-mail options will begin later this month – instead of today – because election officials say they are waiting for rulings on unresolved candidate objections.

Voters will decide on a number of high-stakes congressional races in this election, that haven’t been open in years – including:

Outgoing Senator Dick Durbin’s seat, Congresswoman Jan Schalowsky’s 9th district seat, Congressman Danny Davis’ 7th district seat, and Congressman Chuy Garcia’s 4th district seat.

Eighth District Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and 2nd District Congresswoman Robin Kelly are both in the race for Durbin’s senate seat – so their seats in the house will also be open.

Primary Election Day is March 17.The General Election is on November 3 of this year.

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