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 or 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 and voting at election authority and early voting sites; continues through Election Day.
March 1, 2026: Last day for online voter registration. Grace period registration is still available at election authority and early voting sites.
March 12, 2026: Last day for election authority to receive vote by mail applications.
March 17, 2026: Primary Election Day! Polls are open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Offices Up for Election in Illinois
United States Senator
Governor/Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General
Secretary of State
State Comptroller
State Treasurer
Regional Superintendent of Schools
Representatives in Congress: All districts
State Senators: Districts 2,3,5,6,8,9,11,12,14,15,17,18,20,21,23,24,26,27,29,30,32,33,35,36,38,39,41,42,44,45,47,48,50,51,53,54,56,57,59
State Representatives: All districts
Sanitary District Commissioners and Trustees
Judges: Supreme Court, Appellate Court, Circuit Court, Resident Circuit Court, Subcircuits.
Forest Preserve District Commissioners and President
County Clerks
County Treasurers
County Sheriff
County Assessors
County Board Members (under township organization)
County Commissioners (not under township organization)
Elections are administered locally by Illinois’ 108 election authorities.
For the most accurate information on where and when to vote, consult your local election authority.