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Illinois elections in 2026

This page lists Illinois statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in Illinois​

Start with the official Illinois voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

Illinois voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted. Same-day registration may also be available where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • October 6, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Under federal law, citizens may apply to register to vote by mailing in an application. Mail or deliver this application to your County Clerk or Board of Election Comissioners no later than 28 days before the next election.
  • October 18, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Online registration deadline is 16 days before Election Day. **Note: ** The original date is October 18, which is a Sunday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - October 19
  • November 3, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during on Election Day. “Grace period registration” is from the 27th day prior to the election through Election Day. 10 ILCS 5/5-50.
  • November 3, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during on Election Day. “Grace period registration” is from the 27th day prior to the election through Election Day. 10 ILCS 5/5-50.

Online​

Online registration deadline is 16 days before Election Day

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

Under federal law, citizens may apply to register to vote by mailing in an application. Mail or deliver this application to your County Clerk or Board of Election Comissioners no later than 28 days before the next election.

Deadlines

In Person​

Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during on Election Day. “Grace period registration” is from the 27th day prior to the election through Election Day. 10 ILCS 5/5-50

Deadlines

Special registration options​

Same Day Registration: Available

Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during on Election Day. “Grace period registration” is from the 27th day prior to the election through Election Day. 10 ILCS 5/5-50

Military Overseas: Available

The MOVE site will enable you to set up a MOVE account to register to vote and request vote by mail ballots for upcoming Federal Elections.

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. Check your voter registration status online by visiting this site

Absentee and early voting in Illinois​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • October 6, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Under federal law, citizens may apply to register to vote by mailing in an application. Mail or deliver this application to your County Clerk or Board of Election Comissioners no later than 28 days before the next election.
  • October 19, 2026 — Early voting begins: First day for early voting for counties who have early voting at permanent polling places other than the office of the election authority. These permanent polling places are to be open on holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays. (10 ILCS 5/19A-15(b)).
  • November 2, 2026 — Early voting ends: Last day for early voting at the office of the election authority and permanent locations designated by the election authority. Temporary early voting locations may be established by the election auth.

Voter ID requirements in Illinois​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: Illinois voter ID requirements.

Illinois election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — March 17, 2026​

General Primary elections are held on the third Tuesday in March in each even-numbered year. 10 ILCS 5/2A-1. 1

Important dates​

  • February 17, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Under federal law, citizens may apply to register to vote by mailing in an application. Mail or deliver this application to your County Clerk or Board of Election Comissioners no later than 28 days before the next election.
  • March 1, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Online registration deadline is 16 days before Election Day. **Note: ** The original date is March 1, which is a Sunday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - March 2
  • March 2, 2026 — Early voting begins: First day for early voting for counties who have early voting at permanent polling places other than the office of the election authority. These permanent polling places are to be open on holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays. (10 ILCS 5/19A-15(b)).
  • March 16, 2026 — Early voting ends: Last day for early voting at the office of the election authority and permanent locations designated by the election authority. Temporary early voting locations may be established by the election auth.
  • March 17, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during on Election Day. “Grace period registration” is from the 27th day prior to the election through Election Day. 10 ILCS 5/5-50.
  • March 17, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during on Election Day. “Grace period registration” is from the 27th day prior to the election through Election Day. 10 ILCS 5/5-50.

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • October 6, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Under federal law, citizens may apply to register to vote by mailing in an application. Mail or deliver this application to your County Clerk or Board of Election Comissioners no later than 28 days before the next election.
  • October 18, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Online registration deadline is 16 days before Election Day. **Note: ** The original date is October 18, which is a Sunday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - October 19
  • October 19, 2026 — Early voting begins: First day for early voting for counties who have early voting at permanent polling places other than the office of the election authority. These permanent polling places are to be open on holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays. (10 ILCS 5/19A-15(b)).
  • November 2, 2026 — Early voting ends: Last day for early voting at the office of the election authority and permanent locations designated by the election authority. Temporary early voting locations may be established by the election auth.
  • November 3, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during on Election Day. “Grace period registration” is from the 27th day prior to the election through Election Day. 10 ILCS 5/5-50.
  • November 3, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during on Election Day. “Grace period registration” is from the 27th day prior to the election through Election Day. 10 ILCS 5/5-50.

Official Illinois election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.