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Illinois Primary and Delegate Rules

Last reviewed: July 26, 2026. Illinois primary election and presidential delegate rule information is summarized from the source links listed on this page. Confirm final rules, deadlines, and party procedures with the listed official sources.

Quick Answer​

  • Primary types: Democratic presidential: Partially Open; Democratic state: Partially Open; Republican presidential: Partially Open; Republican state: Partially Open.
  • Consolidated presidential and state primaries: Yes.
  • Democratic delegates: 174 total, 147 pledged, 27 unpledged, 12 alternates.
  • Republican delegates: 64 total, 64 pledged, 0 unpledged, 61 alternates.

Illinois Primary Election Types​

Primary election types by party and contest
PartyContestPrimary type
DemocraticPresidentialPartially Open
DemocraticStatePartially Open
RepublicanPresidentialPartially Open
RepublicanStatePartially Open

Presidential and State Primaries Scheduling​

Consolidated Primaries: Yes

Illinois is one of the states that have merged their presidential and state primaries. On a Presidential Election year, presidential primaries/caucuses and State primaries are scheduled to run on the same date.

Illinois does not have a political party registration system. However, in a primary election, you must select one political party ballot to vote or request a non-partisan ballot (public questions only) if available. You have the freedom to change your party choice in each primary election.

Voting In Primaries​

  • In a primary election, a voter must declare a party affiliation at the polling place to receive a ballot. Each party’s slate of candidates is listed on a separate ballot, and a voter may select only one ballot. This is known as a closed primary. Even though voters must declare a party at a primary election, they may vote for any candidate from any party in the general election.

Illinois Presidential Delegate Allocation​

The presidential primary process involves selecting delegates who will represent the state at the party's national convention. Delegates selected from the primary elections attend the party's national convention, where they officially nominate the presidential candidate. The candidate with the majority of delegates becomes the party's nominee for the presidential election.

Illinois presidential delegate counts
PartyTotal delegate votesPledgedUnpledgedAlternatesAllocation methodThreshold
Democratic Party1741472712Proportional15% minimum vote required
Republican Party6464061Winner-Take-AllNot specified

Democratic Party Primary Delegates Process​

Democratic Party's Proportional Delegates Allocation​

In 2024, Illinois's Democratic party will send a total of 174 Delegate Votes and 12 Alternate Delegates to the DNC national convention. Of the 174 delegate votes, 147 Pledged Delegate Votes (96 District-level delegates, 32 At-Large, and 19 PLEOs) and 27 Automatic Delegate Votes. 147 of 174 delegates to the Democratic National Convention are pledged to presidential contenders based on the results of the voting in Illinois Presidential Primary. A mandatory 15% threshold is required in order for a presidential contender to be pledged National Convention delegates at either the congressional district or statewide level.

Presidential Candidates Ballot Access​

  • A presidential candidate gains access to the State presidential preference primary ballot if:
  • The candidate has filed the appropriate registration information with the federal election commission (FEC) to become a candidate for president of the United States; and
  • Please check with the State Democratic party for further requirements.

Delegates Breakdown​

  • District-level Delegates: 96
  • At-large Delegates: 32
  • Pledged PLEOs Delegates: 19
  • Automatic Delegates - Unpledged PLEOs: 27
  • Alternate Delegates: 12

Automatic Delegates (Unpledged PLEOs - Super Delegates) Breakdown​

  • DNC Members: 15
  • Dem. Members of Congress: 10
  • Dem. Governors: 1
  • Distinguished Party Leaders: 1

Republican Party Primary Delegates Process​

Republican Party Delegates Allocation​

All 64 of Illinois' delegates (Winner-Take-All) to the Republican National Convention will be bound to Presidential Candidates based on the results of Illinois Presidential Primary.

Presidential Candidates Ballot Access​

  • A presidential candidate gains access to the State presidential preference primary ballot if:
  • The candidate has filed the appropriate registration information with the federal election commission (FEC) to become a candidate for president of the United States; and
  • Please check with the State Republican party for additional requirements.

Delegates Breakdown​

  • District-level Delegates: 51
  • At-large Delegates: 10
  • RNC Delegates: 3
  • Alternate Delegates: 61

About These Rules​

This page contains primary election rules and presidential primary delegate allocation information for states and U.S. territories.

Primary voting rules and delegate allocation usually apply to statewide partisan primary elections. Check with your local election office for current guidance because rules, dates, and party procedures can change.

The information provided on this page was validated using the following resources: