Illinois 2026 Primary: Early Vote Now, Key Races Ahead

Illinois’ 2026 elections feature a March 17 primary and November 3 general, contesting a U.S. Senate seat after Dick Durbin’s retirement, Gov JB Pritzker’s reelection bid against GOP challengers like Darren Bailey, all 17 House seats, and local races like Cook County Board President. Early voting started February 12 at Chicago’s new supersite (137 S. State St.) and Board of Elections (69 W. Washington), expanding to all 50 wards March 2; Suburban Cook begins March 2 with same-day registration via two IDs. Vote-by-mail requests due locally, postmarked Election Day plus 14-day receipt; 17-year-olds turning 18 by November vote in primary per elections.il.gov.