Early voting expanded across Chicago and Cook County on Monday, offering residents additional locations to cast ballots ahead of the Illinois Primary Election on March 17. The expansion follows the opening of limited early voting sites in several suburban counties last month, including Lake, Will, McHenry, Kane, Kendall, and DuPage.
In McHenry County, 11 additional early voting sites became operational Monday, according to reports. Chicago now offers locations in all 50 wards, even as suburban Cook County has opened 55 locations for early voters.
The primary election features several key congressional races. Voters will select candidates for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Dick Durbin. The contest includes candidates Robin Kelly, Juliana Stratton, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, among others. The Illinois 8th Congressional District, currently represented by Krishnamoorthi, is also open, as is the Illinois 2nd Congressional District, previously held by Kelly. Additional races include contests for the Illinois 9th District, following the retirement of Jan Schakowsky, the Illinois 7th District, with the departure of Danny Davis, and the Illinois 4th District, succeeding Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia.
Election officials are encouraging voters to submit mail-in ballots at least one week before Election Day due to recent changes in United States Postal Service procedures. Individuals can register to vote at their local polling place, but are required to present two forms of identification.
The Cook County Clerk’s office confirmed the ballot lottery results for the March 17 Gubernatorial Primary Election have been finalized. Voter registration for deputy registrars and local election officials closed on February 17, 2026. The final day to register to vote by online application was March 1, 2026. The last day to request a mail ballot, including for military and overseas voters, is March 12, 2026.