Illinois 2026 Midterm Election
Use your voice for early childhood and make a plan to vote!
Voting is one of the most important ways families, educators, child care providers, and community members can have a voice in decisions that affect young children and families. The leaders we elect make decisions about funding, child care, preschool, education, health care, family supports, and other policies that shape the early childhood system in Illinois. Your vote is an opportunity to make your voice heard and help shape the future of early childhood in your community.
This page provides resources to help you participate in the voting process, including information on how to register to vote, how and when to vote, and what offices will appear on the Illinois ballot. Whether you are voting for the first time or just need a refresher, these resources can help you feel informed and prepared to make your voice count.
We, the Village Voter Information Guides
We, the Village has developed two simple, nonpartisan guides on registration, voting by mail, and what offices are on the ballot this midterm election.
How to Register and Vote in Illinois
Your vote helps shape the future of Illinois families and young children. Decisions made by elected officials impact access to child care, early learning, family supports, and the resources children and communities need to thrive.
Our nonpartisan How to Register & Vote in Illinois guide provides families, caregivers, early childhood educators, providers, and advocates with easy-to-follow information about the 2026 General Election. Learn how to register or update your registration, understand important voting deadlines, choose how and when to vote, and access resources for voting assistance and accessibility.
Use this guide to make a voting plan and make your voice heard for Illinois’ youngest children and their families.
What Offices Are on the Ballot?
The people we elect make decisions that directly affect children, families, and the early childhood community. From federal funding for child care and Head Start to state investments in preschool, Early Intervention, and the early childhood workforce, elected officials at every level play a role in shaping the resources and policies families rely on.
Our nonpartisan What Offices Are on the Ballot? guide helps Illinois families, caregivers, educators, providers, and advocates understand the offices and ballot questions they may see in the 2026 General Election. Learn what each office does, how it can impact early childhood and family supports, and how to find reliable information about the candidates and questions on your ballot.
Use this guide to better understand your ballot and make informed choices for the future of Illinois’ youngest children and their families.
Help Get Your Community Registered and Voting in the 2026 Midterm Elections!
Midterm Elections FAQs:
When is Election Day?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. A mailed ballot must be postmarked by this date.
Am I eligible to vote in Illinois?
Citizenship: You must be a United States citizen.
Age: You must be at least 18 years old on or before November 3, 2026.
Residence: You must live in your Illinois voting precinct for at least 30 days before Election Day.
One voting residence: You cannot claim the right to vote in another place.
Criminal record: A past conviction does not permanently take away your right to vote in Illinois. You may vote if you are on probation or parole or are being held before conviction. Under current Illinois rules, a person serving a sentence of confinement after conviction cannot vote until released and must register again.
When do I need to register to vote?
October 6 is the last day for regular paper or in-person voter registration, and a mailed form must be postmarked by this date. October 18 is the last day to register or update your registration online. The state portal closes at 11:59p.m. Finally, October 29 is the last day your election authority can receive a request for a vote-by-mail ballot.
What options do I have to vote?
You can vote by mail, vote early in person, or vote on election day.
If you choose to vote by mail, your election authority must receive your application by Thursday, October 29, 2026. Request it as early as possible so there is time to receive and return the ballot. Ballots begin mailing Thursday, September 24, 2026, or as soon as ballots are available.
Illinois Vote-by-Mail Information | Official Vote-by-Mail Drop Box Search
Voting early in person begins September 24, 2026, at the office of your election authority. Locations and hours vary by county or election jurisdiction. Check the official lookup before you leave.
Many early-voting locations also offer grace-period registration. Bring two forms of ID, including one with your current address, if you need to register or update your address.
Official Early Voting Location Search
Voting begins on election day at 6:00 a.m. Vote at the polling place assigned to your registered address unless your election authority offers countywide vote centers. If you are in line at 7:00 PM: Stay in line. You are entitled to vote.
Do I need to bring identification to vote?
If you are already correctly registered, Illinois generally does not require you to show photo identification before voting. Election judges usually verify your identity by comparing signatures. You may be asked for ID if: You are registering or changing your address, your registration is challenged, or you registered by mail for the first time and did not previously provide the required identification.
For grace-period registration: Bring two forms of ID, and make sure at least one shows your current address.
- Examples may include: An Illinois driver’s license or state ID, utility bill, bank statement, pay stub, government document, lease, school record, or another accepted document. Check with your local election authority if you are unsure.
How do I find my polling place?
Your Election Day voting location is based on your current registered address. Check it shortly before voting because locations can change.