Chicago Politicians Look to Capitalize on St. Patrick's Day Timing of Primary Election

In a county with the largest Irish American population, candidates are finding opportunities to connect with voters during the holiday festivities.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:41pm

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Chicago's primary election is scheduled for St. Patrick's Day this year, giving local politicians additional chances to campaign and connect with voters during the city's traditional parades, parties, and other holiday celebrations. While the election board warns against mixing voting and drinking, candidates are still finding ways to leverage the Irish heritage of many Chicago residents.

Why it matters

Chicago has the largest Irish American population of any U.S. county, making St. Patrick's Day a major cultural event. Holding the primary election on this date provides candidates a unique opportunity to engage with a large segment of the electorate, though election officials caution against blurring the lines between politics and the holiday revelry.

The details

The primary election in Illinois is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17th, which also happens to be St. Patrick's Day. This has given Chicago politicians extra chances to mingle with voters, march in parades, and wear Irish-themed attire - even if they aren't of Irish descent themselves. The weekend leading up to the election is traditionally packed with St. Patrick's Day activities around the city that are 'voter-rich targets' for eager candidates.

  • The Illinois primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
  • The Chicago River was dyed emerald green on Saturday, March 15, 2026 ahead of the holiday.
  • The Irish Fellowship Club hosted its annual dinner on Friday, March 14, 2026, the day before the election.

The players

Raja Krishnamoorthi

A Senate candidate who often references his Indian American heritage, but on St. Patrick's Day referred to himself as 'Raja, but today, just call me Roger Christian Murphy' in a video.

Max Bever

A spokesman for the Chicago Board of Elections who warned voters against mixing voting and drinking, urging them to 'get your civic duty done' before celebrating with 'that adult beverage'.

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What they’re saying

“Call me Raja, but today, just call me Roger Christian Murphy. That's what I was called when I first came to Chicago and introduced myself to someone.”

— Raja Krishnamoorthi, Senate candidate (Video)

“We urge voters that once they get their civic duty done, get your 'I Voted' sticker, take that selfie, and then go have that adult beverage.”

— Max Bever, Spokesman, Chicago Board of Elections

What’s next

The Chicago Board of Elections will be monitoring polling places on Election Day to ensure voters are able to cast their ballots without interference from St. Patrick's Day festivities.

The takeaway

Chicago's unique position as the county with the largest Irish American population creates both opportunities and challenges for candidates during elections that fall on St. Patrick's Day. While the holiday provides a chance to connect with a sizable segment of the electorate, election officials must walk a fine line to maintain the integrity of the voting process.