Illinois Voters Face Cold Weather for Primary Election

Forecast calls for blustery conditions as voters head to the polls to choose nominees for U.S. Senate, House, and state offices

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:15pm

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Voters in Illinois will brave unseasonably cold temperatures and strong winds as they head to the polls on Tuesday for the state's primary election. The forecast calls for highs only in the low to mid-20s Fahrenheit, with wind chills as low as 5 below zero in the morning. The cold weather could impact voter turnout, especially among Republicans who traditionally lean more toward in-person Election Day voting. The primary features contested races for the open U.S. Senate seat, several U.S. House districts, and state offices like governor and comptroller.

Why it matters

The cold weather forecast could depress voter turnout, which could impact the outcome of the closely watched U.S. Senate race and other key contests. Turnout is often lower in inclement weather, and the cold temperatures may disproportionately affect Republican voters who prefer to cast ballots in person on Election Day. This could give an advantage to Democratic candidates who have embraced early and mail-in voting.

The details

According to retired meteorologist Tom Skilling, Election Day will see "blustery and cold but precipitation free" conditions, with temperatures around 10 degrees Fahrenheit at daybreak and only reaching a high of 21 in the afternoon. Wind chills are expected to be around 5 below zero in the morning, "warming" to 10 above by the afternoon. The cold weather has already impacted some late campaign events, forcing the cancellation of an event with Gov. JB Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Sunday and a planned six-city fly-around by Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey on Tuesday.

  • Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2026.
  • Temperatures are forecast to be around 10 degrees Fahrenheit at daybreak.
  • Highs are only expected to reach the low to mid-20s Fahrenheit on Tuesday.

The players

JB Pritzker

The Democratic incumbent governor of Illinois who is seeking a third term.

Juliana Stratton

The Democratic lieutenant governor of Illinois who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate.

Darren Bailey

A Republican candidate for governor of Illinois.

Dick Durbin

The retiring Democratic U.S. Senator from Illinois.

Jan Schakowsky

The retiring Democratic U.S. Representative from Illinois's 9th Congressional District.

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What they’re saying

“Election Day looks blustery and cold but precipitation free. Unseasonably cold — highs only in the low to mid-20s — and moderately windy, especially in the morning. Voters will have to bundle up.”

— Tom Skilling, Retired broadcast meteorologist (Chicago Tribune)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The cold weather forecast could depress voter turnout, especially among Republican voters who traditionally prefer to cast ballots in person on Election Day. This could give an advantage to Democratic candidates who have embraced early and mail-in voting options.