Key Upcoming Election Dates

Here are the major dates to know over the next few years in Illinois, especially for midterm elections:

There may also be local elections, consolidated elections (for things like school boards, municipal offices) on other dates. Watch your county or city notices. The Telegraph+2US Vote Foundation+2

Deadlines You Can’t Miss

To vote, you need to plan ahead. Here are the deadlines:

• Voter registration deadline: 28 days before Election Day if by mail or in person. Vote.org+1

• Online registration deadline: 16 days before Election Day. Vote.gov+1

• Early voting & vote-by-mail application periods: These often start about 40 days before the election. VOTE411+2Vote.org+2

• Absentee (mail-in) ballot request deadline: Usually about 5 days before the election. VOTE411+1

Make sure you check your county’s specific dates, because sometimes local rules differ a bit.

Where & How to Vote in Illinois

Here are the ways you can vote, plus how to find your polling place:

1. In-person on Election Day
   You go to your local polling place. Polls are open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM in many places. League of Women Voters of Illinois+1

2. Early / In-Person Early Voting
   Illinois lets you vote early without needing an excuse. It starts several weeks before the election. rockthevote.org+2VOTE411+2

3. Vote by Mail / Absentee Voting

   • Any registered voter may request a mail-in ballot. No excuse needed. VOTE411+1

   • Sign up for a permanent vote-by-mail option if you want to do this regularly. VOTE411

   • Make sure your ballot is postmarked by election day and received within the time allowed (often within 14 days) if mailed. VOTE411+1

4. Polling Place Locator
   If you don’t know where your polling place is, Illinois has tools for that. You can look it up by your address or ZIP code. Illinois State Board of Elections+1

Tips for Students

• If you’ve moved recently, update your address or register in your new precinct.

• Bring valid ID especially if it’s your first time voting or if you registered by mail and didn’t provide ID then. rockthevote.org+1

• Keep track of the deadlines for registering, applying for absentee ballots, and returning ballots. Waiting too late reduces options.

Why It Matters

• 2026 is a midterm election year, which means important races at the state and federal level are happening (governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, state legislature) in Illinois. Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3

• Even though local elections don’t always grab headlines, they affect things you see every day (school funding, local services, etc.).