What You Need to Know to Vote in the Illinois Primary

From polling places to ballot questions, a guide to the upcoming Illinois primary election

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

With the Illinois primary election coming up, voters may have questions about what's on the ballot, where to vote, and what they need to bring. This article provides a comprehensive guide, covering everything from polling place locations and voter registration to the key races and local referendums that will be decided.

Why it matters

The Illinois primary election will have a significant impact on the state's political landscape for years to come, with high-profile races for governor, U.S. Senate, and other statewide offices on the ballot. Ensuring voters have the information they need to participate is crucial for a healthy democracy.

The details

Polls in Illinois will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Voters can find their designated polling place by entering their address on the Illinois State Board of Elections website. Even those who aren't registered can still vote, as Illinois offers same-day voter registration at polling places. Voters will need to bring two forms of ID to register on Election Day. The ballot will include races for governor, U.S. Senate, other statewide offices, congressional seats, state legislature, and local measures. While there are no statewide referendums, several municipalities have local proposals on the ballot, including a $120 million sports complex in Naperville and a $59.4 million public safety building in Geneva.

  • Polls open at 6 a.m. on Election Day (March 17, 2026).
  • Polls close at 7 p.m. on Election Day (March 17, 2026).

The players

J.B. Pritzker

The incumbent Democratic governor of Illinois, seeking a third term.

Dick Durbin

The retiring Democratic U.S. Senator from Illinois, whose seat is up for election.

Danny Davis

The Democratic U.S. Representative from Illinois's 7th congressional district, who is retiring.

Jan Schakowsky

The Democratic U.S. Representative from Illinois's 9th congressional district, who is retiring.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Voters can still register to vote on Election Day, even if they missed the regular registration period.”

— Illinois State Board of Elections (nbcchicago.com)

“Taking photos with a ballot is prohibited by state law, but it's 'unlikely' anyone would be prosecuted.”

— State officials (nbcchicago.com)

What’s next

Voters who run into any issues at the polls are encouraged to report them to the Election Protection hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE.

The takeaway

With high-stakes races and local measures on the ballot, the Illinois primary election will have a significant impact on the state's political landscape. By providing voters with the information they need to participate, this guide helps ensure the democratic process remains accessible and inclusive.