Elections in
Illinois voters will head to the polls in 2026 to decide contests across all levels of government, with 167 races on the ballot during this midterm election cycle. At the statewide level, 10 constitutional offices are up for election, including Attorney General, Comptroller, and Secretary of State—positions that oversee critical functions like consumer protection, state finances, and election administration. Additionally, all of Illinois's seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are on the ballot, with voters in 17 congressional districts choosing their representatives for the next term in Congress.
The state legislative races represent the bulk of the contests, with 116 seats across the Illinois General Assembly up for election. Both chambers—the 59-member Senate and the 118-member House of Representatives—will see competitive races that will determine the balance of power in Springfield. These legislators will make decisions on the state budget, education funding, infrastructure, healthcare policy, and other matters affecting daily life for Illinois residents. State Senate terms are typically four years, while House members serve two-year terms.
Illinois operates as a semi-open primary state for most contests, meaning voters can choose which party's primary to participate in on Election Day, though they must vote in only one party's primary. With both the March primary and November general election, Illinois voters will have two opportunities to make their voices heard in shaping the direction of state and federal representation.
Illinois offers multiple ways to cast a ballot. Voter registration is available online, by mail, or in-person at county clerk offices, the Secretary of State's office, and designated agencies. Illinois also provides grace period registration, allowing eligible residents to register and vote simultaneously at designated locations during early voting and on Election Day itself. To register, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 17 years old (you can vote in the primary at 17 if you'll be 18 by the general election), and a resident of your precinct for at least 30 days before the election.
Early voting is available at designated locations in each county beginning no later than 40 days before Election Day. Vote-by-mail (formerly called absentee voting) is available to any registered voter without requiring an excuse—simply request a ballot from your local election authority. Illinois does not require photo ID to vote; voters provide identification when registering, and at the polls, you'll typically confirm your name and address. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, state ID, utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document showing your name and address. First-time voters who registered by mail may need to provide ID. Polling places are assigned based on your residential address, and you can find your specific location through your county clerk's website or the Illinois State Board of Elections.
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