Illinois General Primary Election

Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Primary Election Day in Illinois

Dec. 17 + First day to apply for a vote by mail ballot.

Feb. 5 + First day to vote early or by mail. Check with your election authority for details.

Feb. 17 + Last day for regular (paper) voter registration.

Feb. 18 + First day of grace period for in-person voter registration and voting at election authority & early voting sites;
continues through Election Day.

March 1 + Last day for online voter registration. Grace period in-person registration continues at election authority & early voting sites

March 12 + Last day for election authority to receive vote by mail
applications.

March 17 + Election Day! Polls are open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.