The next General Primary Election in Illinois will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, as outlined in [10 ILCS 5/2A-1.1(a), 1.2(b)].

Important Dates:

Petition Circulation Begins: August 5, 2025
Candidate Filing Period: October 27 – November 3, 2025
Primary Election Day: March 17, 2026

Ballot Colors:
Republican Ballot: Yellow
Democratic Ballot: Green
No Party Ballot

2026 Early Voting Schedule

Offices to Be Nominated:

Federal & Statewide Offices:

United States Senator
Representatives in Congress – All 17 Districts
Governor/Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General
Secretary of State
Comptroller
Treasurer

State Senate:

2-year terms: Districts 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57
4-year terms: Districts 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, 35, 38, 41, 44, 47, 50, 53, 56, 59
Note: Unexpired 2-year terms will be added only if vacancies occur.

Illinois House of Representatives:

All 118 Districts

County & Local Offices:

Sanitary District Commissioners/Trustees
Forest Preserve District Commissioners (DuPage County)
County Clerk
County Treasurer
County Sheriff
County Assessor
Members of Board of Review (where applicable)
Regional Superintendent of Schools

Chicago & Local Boards:

Chicago Board of Education – Board Members & President
2-year terms: Subdistricts 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, 10B
4-year terms: Subdistricts 1B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B, 9B, 10A (President)

County-Level Boards & Officials

County Commissioners (counties under township organization)
County Board Members (counties without township organization)
Judges (Appellate, Circuit, Resident Circuit, Associate – as needed)

To Be Elected (Party-Specific):

Precinct Committeepersons (All counties, including Cook County)
Township Committeepersons (Cook County only)
State Central Committeepersons:
– Democratic: Two of different genders per district
– Republican: Elected by party caucuses

Ballot Order:

Ballot order will begin with candidates for United States Senator, followed by state offices, congressional offices, Illinois General Assembly, county and local offices, judges, and party offices. Municipalities with annual elections may have local contests included.

If you have questions regarding petitions, filing deadlines, or your voting status, please contact the Wayne County Clerk’s Office at (618) X842-5182 or email us at waycoclerk@waynecountyil.gov.