Voting Information

Illinois General Primary Election: March 17, 2026


  • December 17, 2025: First day to apply for a vote by mail ballot.

    February 5, 2026: First day to vote early by mail.

    February 17, 2026: Last day for regular (paper) voter registration.

    February 18, 2026: First day of grace period for in-person voter registration at election authority. This continues through Election Day. Grace period in-person voter registration will also be available at early voting sites once they are open.

    March 1, 2026: Last day for on-line voter registration. Grace period in-person voter registration continues at voting authority and early voting sites.

    March 2-16, 2026:  Traditional early voting for general primary election. In-person registration continues at early voting sites.

    March 7, 2026: Last day for voting authority to receive vote-by-mail applications.  

  • March 17, 2026:  Primary Election Day!  Polls are open from 6 am to 7 pm.

    March 17, 2026:  Mail-in ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received by 14 days after Election Day.
    • Register by mail deadline: Must be postmarked 28 days before Election Day
    • In person registration deadline: Available up to and including on Election Day
    • Primary: After 2/17/25, you may register in person during early voting at ANY Early Voting Site in Suburban Cook County through election day. March 2-26, 2026.
    • General:

    Registration Information

    To Register to Vote and/or Change a Name or Address

    Vote.org

    https://www.vote.org

    Vote411.org

    https://www.411vote.org

    Elections.il.gov

    https://www.elections.il.gov

    Cook County Clerk

    https://www.cookcountyclerk.com/agency/elections

    To Register on Election Day

    Residents who are not registered to vote may register and cast a ballot on Election day at your regular polling place, thanks to same-day registration and voting.

    Those who wish to register on Election Day must present two qualifying forms of ID:

    I'm Registered

    How do I request a Mail-in/Absentee Ballot?

    Mail ballots will be mailed out to Cook County voters who apply to receive a ballot beginning December 17, 2025.

    Deadlines to Submit Your Mail-in / Absentee Ballot Request:

    Do it sooner than later! Don't Wait!

    In Person
    • Must be received 1 day before Election Day
    By Mail
    Online

    When Must I Mail My Mail-In / Absentee Ballot to be Counted?

    Must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received by 14 days after Election Day.

    Drop Boxes for Absentee Ballots

    the safest alternative to mailing

    If you're worried about your ballot not getting delivered on time, a secure Dropbox will be available at Early Voting sites - to be identified.  Walk up and drop off your completed ballot.

    HOURS for all drop box locations will be listed in the future.

    Dropboxes for mail ballots will also be available at 69 West Washington St. in Chicago as well as the 5 Regional Cook County Courthouses in Rolling Meadows, Skokie, Maywood, Bridgeview and Markham.

    Where and when can I early vote in person?

    Information coming...

    Primary March 17, 2026

          Other locations in Cook County

          https://cookcountyclerk.com/service/early-voting-locations

          If you don't live in Cook County, check with your County Clerk.

          In Person Voting Information

          Primary March 17, 2026

          General November 3, 2026
          And want to vote on Election Day

          Find Your Polling Place

          Polls will be open from 6am - 7pm

          Vote.org

          https://www.vote.org

          Vote411.org

          https://www.411vote.org

          Elections.il.gov

          https://www.elections.il.gov

          Cook County Clerk

          https://www.cookcountyclerk.com/agency/elections
          Action Ridge
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