2026 Illinois Elections

Key 2026 state and federal election dates for Illinois, plus voter registration and absentee resources.

22 days away

Next election in Illinois

NOV03

2026Tuesday

General Election

In-person early voting: September 24, 2026 – November 2, 2026; Illinois allows grace-period/early in-person voting to begin 40 days before Election Day through the day before, with a required 15-day period at satellite sites closer to Election Day.

Registration & mail ballot deadlines (3)

Voter registration deadline: October 6, 2026; Grace-period registration is available through Election Day, though standard registration closes 28 days beforehand.
Mail ballot request (no excuse needed): October 29, 2026; No excuse is required; vote-by-mail applications must be received by election authorities at least 5 days before Election Day.
Mail ballot return: Postmark by November 3, 2026; must arrive by November 17, 2026; Mail ballots postmarked by Election Day can be received up to 14 days later and still count.

Key dates

State & Federal Elections

Early voting, mail ballot, and registration deadlines below are calculated from Illinois's standing rules for each election date. Always confirm with your county election office.

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 · Primary Election · CompletedShow detailsHide details
In-person early voting
February 5, 2026 – March 16, 2026
Illinois allows grace-period/early in-person voting to begin 40 days before Election Day through the day before, with a required 15-day period at satellite sites closer to Election Day.
Registration & mail ballot deadlines (3)
Voter registration deadline
February 17, 2026
Grace-period registration is available through Election Day, though standard registration closes 28 days beforehand.
Mail ballot request (no excuse needed)
March 12, 2026
No excuse is required; vote-by-mail applications must be received by election authorities at least 5 days before Election Day.
Mail ballot return
Postmark by March 17, 2026; must arrive by March 31, 2026
Mail ballots postmarked by Election Day can be received up to 14 days later and still count.
22 days away
General Election
NOV03
2026Tuesday
In-person early voting
September 24, 2026 – November 2, 2026
Illinois allows grace-period/early in-person voting to begin 40 days before Election Day through the day before, with a required 15-day period at satellite sites closer to Election Day.
Registration & mail ballot deadlines (3)
Voter registration deadline
October 6, 2026
Grace-period registration is available through Election Day, though standard registration closes 28 days beforehand.
Mail ballot request (no excuse needed)
October 29, 2026
No excuse is required; vote-by-mail applications must be received by election authorities at least 5 days before Election Day.
Mail ballot return
Postmark by November 3, 2026; must arrive by November 17, 2026
Mail ballots postmarked by Election Day can be received up to 14 days later and still count.

Official voter lookup

Find Your Polling Place in Illinois

Look up your precinct, sample ballot, and where to vote in Illinois

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By jurisdiction

Local Elections

Local election dates vary by jurisdiction. Find local election information through your Illinois elections office.

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Get ready to vote

Voter Tools

Voter Registration

Elections Department

Illinois official elections office

Find Your Polling Place

Look up your precinct, sample ballot, and where to vote in Illinois

Boots on the ground

Illinois Family Policy Council

Illinois does not currently have a Family Policy Alliance state ally organization. You can still connect with the national alliance and find allies in neighboring states.

See all state allies

Know the platforms

National Party & Platform Info

Democrats

Democratic National Committee — party platform and priorities

Republicans

Republican National Committee — party platform and priorities

Platform Comparison

Side-by-side look at where the parties stand on key issues

Dates are subject to change. Always confirm with official state and county election sources. Back to state directory