Midterm election year is here and ABC7 Chicago wants to make sure you have all the resources you need before Election Day.
The Illinois midterm election will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
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Early voting for the primary election is open until March 16.
SEE ALSO: ABC7 Chicago presents 2026 Democratic U.S. Senate Primary Forum
Locations for early voting in Illinois can be found at elections.il.gov.
The general election is Nov. 3, 2026.
Registration identification
Any voter who needs to register for the first time or file an address change must present two forms of identification, one of which shows the voter’s current address.
Valid forms of identification include work, school, state and military ID, passports and drivers licenses, leases and mortgages, utility bills, vehicle registration, credit and debit cards and insurance cards.
Voters who do not present a valid form of ID if needed can cast a provisional ballot and present ID to the election authority by March 24.
ID requirements vary at polling locations, but election authorities recommend bringing at least one form of identification in case of any questions.
Mail-in ballots
Mail-in ballots will also be sent to voters who’ve requested them beginning Feb. 5. The last day to request a mail-in ballot is March 12.
They must be postmarked by Election Day, but county clerks recommend mailing these ballots at least a week in advance of the election, due to United States Postal Service changes that could delay mail.
Election authorities will also accept mail ballots delivered by hand, and some have drop boxes where ballots can be delivered. Voters who requested a mail-in ballot can still vote in person but must surrender the mailed ballot before doing so.
More resources and important dates for voters in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin can be found below.
Illinois Voter Information
Illinois State Board of Elections – Election information, voting FAQ and other resources.
Candidate lookup – Find out who is running for office in Illinois.
Voter Registration information – See registration rules and find out how to register.
Registration Lookup – Find out if you are registered to vote in Illinois.
Polling place locator – Locate your polling place.
Illinois election dates and deadlines – Important dates for local, state and federal elections.
Voting Information by county:
Cook County Voter Information
Will County Voter Information
Kane County Voter Information
DuPage County Voter Information
McHenry County Voter Information
Lake County (Illinois) Voter Information
Indiana Voter Information
Indiana’s primary election is taking place on May 5, 2026. The deadline to register to vote is April 6, 2026.
Indiana Voter Portal – The Indiana Voter Portal has information about voter registration, polling locations, voting options and more.
Indiana election dates and deadlines – Important dates for local, state and federal elections.
Indiana Secretary of State – Further information about candidates, campaigns and the election.
Wisconsin Voter Information
The Wisconsin presidential primary election is April 7, 2026.
My Vote Wisconsin – Information about polling places, candidates and voter registration.
Wisconsin election dates and deadlines – Important dates for local, state and federal elections.
Wisconsin Elections Commission – Further election information.
National Resources
The White House
U.S. Senate
Contact your U.S. Senator
U.S. House of Representatives
Contact your State Representative
Capitol News Illinois contributed to this report.
