Illinois Democrats Urge Voters to Mail Ballots Immediately

Changes to postal service rules could delay ballot postmarks, officials warn.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Top Illinois Democrats, including the Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Cook County Board President, are urging voters who plan to vote by mail to return their ballots as soon as possible. Recent changes to postal service operations could mean some mail ballots won't be postmarked the same day they are dropped off, potentially causing them to not be counted if they aren't postmarked by the March 17 deadline.

Why it matters

With the 2026 primary elections in Illinois coming up, election officials are concerned that delays in postal service operations could disenfranchise voters who choose to vote by mail. They are encouraging early ballot submission to ensure votes are counted.

The details

In January, the U.S. Postal Service announced changes to its transportation operations that may delay the arrival of mail at its processing facilities. This means some mail ballots may not receive a same-day postmark when dropped off at a post office. Ballots in Illinois must be postmarked by March 17 to be counted, so officials are urging voters to return their mail ballots as soon as possible to avoid potential issues.

  • Ballots for the 2026 primary elections in Illinois must be postmarked by March 17 in order to be counted.
  • In January, the U.S. Postal Service announced changes to its transportation operations that may delay the arrival of mail at its processing facilities.

The players

Alexi Giannoulias

Illinois Secretary of State.

Kwame Raoul

Illinois Attorney General.

Toni Preckwinkle

Cook County Board President.

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What they’re saying

“If you are voting by mail, do not wait. Send your ballot back now, today; tomorrow, if you must.”

— Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois Secretary of State (CBS News Chicago)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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