By: Ashmar Mandou

The 2026 Illinois primary election is less than a week away, and there are several races that voters should keep an eye on, from U.S. Senate to Illinois governor to Cook County Board President, a slew of offices are on the primary ballot. We have compiled what you will need to know in the days leading up to the primary election.

How to register to vote in Illinois
Even if voters miss the regular registration period, grace-period or same-day voter registration is available in the state of Illinois. The easiest way to register is to visit your local county clerk’s office and to bring required identification, which can be found here. Voters will then be allowed to cast ballots on the same day they register. Same-day voter registration is also available at select polling places on Election Day, with identification required and voters required to cast their ballots immediately.

Mail-in Ballots
Any Illinois voter who is interested in voting by mail can do so, according to state law, but they’re running low on time. To do so, voters must fill out an application and submit it to their local county clerk’s office. The applications must be received at least five days before the election in order for a voter to get a ballot. Voters who change their mind about voting-by-mail can do so, but must follow procedures laid out on the Board of Elections’ website.

Election Day
This year’s primary election in Illinois will fall on Tuesday, March 17. Voters will be able to choose a ballot for the Democrats, the Republicans, or an independent ballot, which would only feature referendums in communities that are having those votes.

Polls
In Illinois, polls open on Election Day at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Any person who is in line at 7 p.m. will still be given the opportunity to vote.

Problems Voting
Voters who are challenged on their voting eligibility, who experience voter intimidation or have trouble at their polling place are encouraged to report such incidents. If you run into any of the above issues, or have any questions about the voting process, more than 100 organizations across the U.S. operate an Election Protection hotline, which can be reached at:

1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683): English

1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (1-888-839-8682): Spanish/English

Illinois residents can also text MYVOTE to 866-687-8683 with any concerns.