With Election Day Tuesday, many voters are preparing to head to the polls and might be looking for a last-minute catch-up before casting their votes.
Whether you’re wondering who is on your ballot, what the big races you’ll be voting for are, if there are any referendum questions in your county or what you need to bring with you when vote — we’ve got you covered.
Here’s your guide to Election Day in Illinois:
When do polls open and close on Election Day?
Under Illinois state law, polls open at 6 a.m. on Election Day, and will remain open until 7 p.m. CT.
If you are in line when polls close, you can still vote.
What do you need to bring with you to vote in Illinois?
Regular voter registration and online voter registration have closed in the lead-up to the election, but grace-period (or same-day) voter registration is still available.
In order to register to vote in this way, voters must show two forms of identification, one of which must contain their current address. That can include a driver’s license, a bank statement, a residence contract, a utility bill, or a state identification card.
Once voters show proper identification, they must then cast their ballot immediately.
You are also legally allowed to bring written or printed materials into the voting booth to assist you. This includes items on your phone.
Who’s on your ballot? Use this sample ballot tool
Use the tool below to see which races will appear on your ballot based on your location. These races include the governor’s race, the U.S. House and Senate races, and your state House and state Senate (if applicable) races.
(NOTE: Judges will not appear on the ballot below. You can find more information on judicial races in your area here.)
var pymParent=new pym.Parent('whos-on-your-ballot-eng', ' visuals.otsops.com/projects/whos-on-your-ballot-2026/index.html?market=IL&elec=ge-26', {title: '', parenturlparam: '', parenturlvalue: ''});Here is a list of links to additional information about races that could be on your ballot
City of Chicago
Cook County
DeKalb County
DuPage County
Grundy County
Kane County
Kankakee County
Kendall County
Lake County
LaSalle County
McHenry County
Will County
What are the big races to watch?
The 2026 midterm elections are shaping up to be a hugely consequential battle for control of both chambers of Congress and multiple governor’s mansions around the U.S.
In the Senate, Republicans currently hold a a 53-47 majority. Thirty-five seats are up for reelection: Republicans hold 22, while Democrats hold 13. With Republican Vice President JD Vance’s ability to break tie votes, Democrats need 51 seats to win control of the chamber.
Voters in all 435 congressional districts choose their representatives in the U.S. House every two years. Going into the 2026 elections, 219 members caucus with Republicans — just one more than the minimum required for a majority when all seats are filled. Holding onto a majority that slim could be tough for Republicans in a midterm year, when voters tend to vote against the party in the White House.
In Illinois, the U.S. Senate seat vacated by longtime Democratic Rep. Dick Durbin is open after Durbin said he would not seek reelection. In that race, former lieutenant governor after Juliana Stratton is running against former Illinois GOP Chair Don Tracy.
Other major races to watch can be found here.
Will there be judges on your ballot?
While the state of Illinois does not have any state Supreme Court races on the ballot in November, there are circuit court and appeals court vacancies that must be decided upon, along with retention votes on those judicial seats.
Voters can visit the Illinois State Bar Association’s website for recommendations.
What other questions will be on your ballot?
Many suburban Chicago voters will be faced with hugely consequential referendums and questions about how their local governments work.
In the 2026 general election, numerous communities will vote on bond issues for school and library construction, while others will be asked whether they should implement term limits for public officials, or even cede the selection of certain officials to various governmental bodies.
A handful of counties will also have advisory questions, including on a potential “Millionaire’s Tax” or whether a consolidation effort should be undertaken for townships, school districts and more.
Here is a selection of referendums voters may face this November.
How can I see live results?
Election Day coverage will be available on NBC Chicago, the station’s 24/7 Streaming News Channel and via NBC Chicago’s website and mobile app.
Live results can be found in the app, with voters able to turn on notifications to get all the latest news surrounding the election.
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