Rockton-Roscoe Voters Head to Polls for Primary Election

Voters in Winnebago County will choose candidates and weigh in on referendum questions on March 17, 2026.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 7:03am

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The 2026 primary election will take place on Tuesday, March 17 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at polling places throughout Rockton and Roscoe, Illinois. Voters will choose candidates for Winnebago County Board District 7 and a Congressional candidate, as well as weigh in on two controversial referendum questions about education. Illinois has open primaries, so any registered voter can choose to vote on either the Republican or Democratic ballot.

Why it matters

Primary elections are an important part of the democratic process, allowing voters to have a say in who will represent them on the ballot in the general election. The results of this primary will shape the choices available to voters in the November 2026 general election.

The details

Voters in Rockton and Roscoe will have a number of polling place options to choose from, including churches, community centers, and town halls. Election officials will be on hand to check voter signatures and provide the appropriate ballot. While electioneering is prohibited within 100 feet of polling places, voters are free to express their political preferences outside of that zone. Mail-in ballots can be dropped off at a secure location in Rockford if they have not yet been submitted.

  • Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
  • Mail-in ballots must be dropped off at the Winnebago County Administration Building in Rockford by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

The players

Winnebago County Board

The county governing body that oversees issues such as budgeting, zoning, and infrastructure in Winnebago County, Illinois.

Winnebago County Clerk's Office

The office responsible for administering elections and maintaining voter registration records in Winnebago County.

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What’s next

After the polls close, election officials will count the ballots and report the results. The winners of the primary elections will advance to the general election in November 2026.

The takeaway

This primary election is an important opportunity for Rockton and Roscoe residents to have a voice in the political process and shape the choices available to them in the general election. Voters should make a plan to get to the polls on March 17th and exercise their right to vote.