How to vote in Illinois in 2026: Early voting begins this week for most
of the state
[February 05, 2026]
By Jenna Schweikert and UIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR)
Capitol News Illinois has launched its revamped 2026 Election Guide to
coincide with the opening of early voting throughout much of the state.
The guide has a rundown of key dates, information on how to register and
vote early, and a lookup tool to put voters in touch with their local
election authority. It also links to our coverage of the various races
for statewide office.
Access Guide
Early voting opens
The guide launched this week to coincide with early voting opening on
Feb. 5 for the March 17 primary in most of the state, outside of Cook
County. Early voting kicks off on Feb. 12 in downtown Chicago and either
Feb. 18 or March 2 in suburban Cook County, depending on where you live.
Early voting for all jurisdictions ends on March 16.
Most early voting takes place at the local election authority’s offices,
which for most residents is their county clerk’s office. Some churches,
libraries, colleges and universities and other government buildings are
also offering early voting. Voters can find local polling locations and
hours at the Illinois State Board of Elections website.
Registration is also open at most polling locations through Feb. 17.
Grace period registration, available at some polling locations, opens
Feb. 18 and closes on Election Day, March 17.
Registration is also open online at ova.elections.il.gov until March 1
and will reopen on March 19.
Registration identification
Any voter who needs to register for the first time or file an address
change must present two forms of ID, one of which shows the voter’s
current address.
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Valid forms of identification include work, school, state and
military ID, passports and drivers licenses, leases and mortgages,
utility bills, vehicle registration, credit and debit cards and
insurance cards.
Voters who do not present a valid form of ID if needed can cast a
provisional ballot and present ID to the election authority by March
24.
ID requirements vary at polling locations, but election authorities
recommend bringing at least one form of identification in case of
any questions.
Mail-in ballots
Mail-in ballots will also be sent to voters who’ve requested them
beginning Feb. 5. The last day to request a mail-in ballot is March
12.
They must be postmarked by Election Day, but county clerks recommend
mailing these ballots at least a week in advance of the election,
due to United States Postal Service changes that could delay mail.
Election authorities will also accept mail ballots delivered by
hand, and some have drop boxes where ballots can be delivered.
Voters who requested a mail-in ballot can still vote in person but
must surrender the mailed ballot before doing so.
Polls will be open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. If voters are
in line before the polls close, they are guaranteed a chance to
vote.
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