Illinois Voters Prepare for Upcoming Elections

Illinois voters will soon cast their votes in federal, state, and local races during the general election on November 3. Early voting starts on September 24 in several counties, including DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will. Chicago residents can vote in person at two locations beginning October 1, while suburban Cook County opens for early voting on October 7.

Governor Race

Governor JB Pritzker is pursuing a third term, a rare feat in Illinois. The last governor to serve at least three terms was Republican Jim Thompson, from 1977 to 1991. Pritzker faces Republican challenger Darren Bailey. If successful, Pritzker would be the first Democrat in Illinois to win three gubernatorial terms.

Voting Timeline and Information

Early voting in collar counties starts Thursday, while it begins October 1 in Chicago and October 7 in suburban Cook. The midterm elections are on November 3, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone in line by 7 p.m. can vote. Key positions such as U.S. Senate, U.S. House, governor, and several state offices will be decided.

For local representatives, citizens can identify their current representatives using an online tool with their home address.

Important Dates

• August 5: First day to request a vote-by-mail ballot.
• September 24: Early voting begins in DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.
• October 1: Early voting begins in Chicago.
• October 6: Close of regular voter registration in Illinois.
• October 7: Early voting starts in suburban Cook County and marks the beginning of the grace period for same-day registration and voting.
• October 18: Last day of online voter registration.
• October 19: Early voting begins in all 50 wards in Chicago.
• October 29: Last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot.

Voter Eligibility

According to the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, to vote in the city, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 by November 3, reside in the same precinct for at least 30 days before the election, and not claim the right to vote elsewhere or be serving a conviction in jail.

Statewide requirements generally align with these rules. Checking your registration status is possible through the state’s registration lookup tool.

Registration Methods

Voter registration can occur online, in person, or by mail. To register by mail, download and complete the Illinois State Board of Elections form and submit it along with a valid ID to your local authority. For Chicago residents, use the form provided by the Board of Elections. Online registration is open until October 18.

Voting Options and Locations

On Election Day, voters can cast their votes in person using paper ballots or touch-screen machines in Chicago. Outside the city, the Illinois State Board of Elections provides information on different systems in various counties.

If you have already received a mail-in ballot but prefer to vote early in person, take the mail-in ballot with you to cancel it. Mail-in ballots can be returned by mail, in person, or deposited in secure drop boxes. The State Board of Elections website lists drop box locations. Note that completed mail-in ballots cannot be accepted directly at polling or early voting sites unless accompanied by a drop box.

In Chicago, early voting is possible at designated locations starting October 1, with expanded options in each ward beginning October 19. Voters can vote early regardless of their specific ward, and assistance is available in multiple languages.

Sample Ballots

To view a sample ballot, use the voter information lookup tool offered by the Chicago Board of Elections. Suburban voters should contact their local election authority.

Voting Outside Chicago

For those living outside Chicago, check specific jurisdiction websites for mail-in ballot and early voting details. Because locations and hours may change, verify the latest information through local offices.