Next Election: Illinois Primary on March 17, 2026

9/10/25

What Petitions Can You Sign? 

Candidates were able to start circulating nominating petitions on August 5 to get sufficient signatures to appear on the March 17 ballot. Those petitions may be filed from October 27 through November 3. Here is some information as to what and how many petitions any voter may sign:

  • A voter MAY sign only if they are registered to vote at an address in the district for the office the proposed candidate is seeking

  • A voter MAY NOT sign for candidates for office in more than one party

  • A voter who took a ballot in the last Primary for one party MAY sign petitions for candidates in a different party for this Primary election

  • A voter MAY sign for as many candidates as they wish within the same party, even if for the same office

  • Get more information from the Illinois State Board of Elections' 2026 Candidate’s Guide.

Primary Elections

In a Primary, voters must select a political party ballot because the purpose of a Primary is to determine who will be that party’s candidates in the November general election. If there are referenda (binding or advisory), voters who do not wish to select a party ballot will be able to opt for a non-partisan ballot, but that will contain only the referenda.

Voter Information

LWVIL’s website now has some of the key dates for the upcoming March 17 Primary regarding voter registration, vote-by-mail, early voting and Election Day voting, as well as what offices will be up for election.

VotingGuest User