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.

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.