Election Day is Here

Make your voice heard

Today, Tuesday, November 3rd, marks Election Day, an important opportunity for residents across Illinois and throughout the country to exercise their right to vote and participate in the democratic process. Voting gives individuals a voice in decisions that affect their families, neighborhoods, and communities. As residents head to the polls, it is important to recognize the value of civic participation and the role each individual plays in shaping the future. Every eligible voter has an opportunity to make their voice heard and contribute to the democratic process.

Election Day 2026

Make Your Voice Count and

Go Vote Today!

Today is Election Day, and every vote has the power to influence the future. Head to the polls to participate in this democratic process and help make decisions that impact your community and country. Polls are open, and resources are available to check your voting location and hours. Don’t miss this chance to vote!

ABC 7 Chicago Reports

November 2, 2026

LIVE Updates for midterm Election Day 2026 in Chicago area

CHICAGO (WLS) -- It's almost Election Day in the Chicago area. Get live updates from ABC7.

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FOX 32 Chicago Reports

November 2, 2026

Where is my polling place? Chicago-area county breakdown

Voters across the greater Chicago area can look up their polling places online for the Nov. 3, 2026, election.
County election websites offer tools to find polling locations, check registration and view sample ballots.
The guide includes official links for Chicago and nine surrounding counties.

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Click Image Below to Check Your Registration Status

It's Not Too Late to Register!

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Illinois Voter ID Requirements

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In-Person Voter ID Laws

If you've voted in Illinois before or provided ID when you registered, you do not need to show ID to vote.

If you're voting in Illinois for the first time and didn't provide proof of ID when you registered, you'll need to show one of the following items when you vote in person during early voting or on Election Day:

Current and valid photo ID
Utility bill
Bank statement
Paycheck
Government check
Other government documentation indicating your name and address
Student ID containing your photo along with i. a copy of your lease or ii. a postmarked piece of mail at your current residence

If you've voted in Illinois before or provided ID at the time of registration, you don't need to provide ID to vote by mail.

If you are a first-time voter and did not provide proof of ID at the time of registration (either with a driver's license, state ID, or social security number), you are not eligible to vote by mail and instead should vote in-person and provide proof of ID to the election official at the polling place.

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Please Read Article Below Before Going to Vote at Polling Station

NBC 5 News Reports

October 29, 2026

What do you need to vote in Illinois? How to register, find your polling place and prepare for 2026 Election Day

If you're ready to vote in Illinois for the 2026 midterm election, here's what you need to bring with you and how to make sure you're registered and ready to cast your ballot.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Democrats and Republicans are vying for control of the Congress. Illinois voters will choose their next governor, as well as who will replace longtime representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, including the successor to Senator Dick Durbin's seat.

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Need Help with Language at the Polls?

Here’s What You Need to Know

This guide informs voters of their right to language assistance at the polls if English is not their primary language. It explains options for using an interpreter provided by the polling place and outlines the possibility of bringing a friend or family member to help, where allowed by law. With these resources, voters can confidently participate in the election process, knowing they have support to understand and complete their ballot accurately.

Click Image Below to Learn How to View Language Access Resources for Election Day

Know Your Voting Rights

Essential Rights and Responsibilities

at the Polls

This overview highlights key voter rights and responsibilities to ensure a fair and accessible voting experience. It covers essential rights, including the right to vote if you're in line by closing time, the right to privacy while casting your ballot, and the option to request a new ballot if you make a mistake. Additionally, it emphasizes that assistance is available for voters with disabilities, ensuring everyone has the support they need to participate fully

American Civil Liberties Union Reports

October 20, 2026

Know Your Rights Voting in Illinois

You need not present a photo ID to vote in Illinois. A poll worker should not ask you for ID except in a narrow range of circumstances. You may need an ID if:
An Election Judge challenges your right to vote
You registered to vote by mail and did not provide ID
If you are also registering to vote or changing your registration address on the day that you vote
On Election Day, you can cast your ballot after the polls close if you are in line at the time listed as closing
You may bring written or printed materials into the voting booth to assist you
You can request up to two hours off of work to go and vote in Illinois, if your work schedule prevents you from getting to the polls while they are open

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WTTW News Reports

November 2, 2026

Hoping for a ‘Boring’ Election Day, Voting Rights Advocates Step Up Efforts Against Possible Interference

Election Day is Tuesday, and many voters are still wondering what to expect when they go to the polls.

Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice announced plans to send election monitors to polling places around the country. Meanwhile, rumors are swirling about the possibility of immigration or other federal agents showing up.

But local voting rights advocates are still hoping for a “boring” Election Day.

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WTTW News Reports

October 27, 2026

Chicago US Attorney Launching Hotline to Report Fraud, Voter Intimidation Ahead of Next Week’s Election

Chicago’s top federal prosecutor said his office is putting a plan in place to protect voters from “intimidation or interference” as they head to the polls ahead of next Tuesday’s Election Day.

U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros on Tuesday said voters can report possible violations including fraud and voter intimidation directly to his office amid concerns over the security of voters and the elections themselves.

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Click Image Below to Learn How to File a Complaint for Voter Intimidation

Vote Smart, Not Blind

Review Rep. Ford's Pre-Election Day Newsletters Before You Cast Your Vote

Rep. Ford's Civic Saturday Special Editions are vital for understanding the roles and responsibilities of elected officials, as well as how to hold them accountable. These editions provide insights into the electoral process, including key topics like the Electoral College and voter ID laws. By engaging with this information, readers can enhance their civic knowledge and participate more effectively in democracy. Staying informed helps you navigate the electoral landscape and empowers you to advocate for your community.

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The State of Illinois

What's on the Ballot for Election Day 2024?

As Illinois voters head to the polls today, they will encounter a ballot featuring important races and measures. Voters can expect to see candidates for the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives. Depending on their location, voters will also see a variety of appeals and circuit court judges on their ballots, as well as candidates in various county-level superintendent offices. Additionally, there are proposed constitutional amendments and referendums that may significantly impact state policy. Staying informed about these items is essential for making educated decisions that affect both local and national governance.

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NBC 5 News Reports

October 27, 2026

Who's on your ballot in the 2026 Illinois election? Use our sample ballot tool

The 2026 election is right around the corner, and Illinois voters will soon be tasked with electing candidates to a variety of critical offices.

There are numerous races at the statewide level, including the Illinois’ governor’s race and choosing the state’s next U.S. Senator, along with a host of Congressional races and battles to determine who will represent voters in Springfield in both the state House and Senate.

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FOX 32 News Reports

November 2, 2026

Illinois ballot questions 2026: What Chicago-area voters need to know

Illinois voters will decide on ballot questions that could affect property taxes, school funding, public safety and more in the Nov. 3 election.
Proposals across the Chicago area include millions of dollars in school construction borrowing, tax increases and advisory referenda on several issues.
The questions vary by community, so voters should check their local ballots to understand which measures they will be asked to consider.

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The Illinois Judges

NBC 5 News Reports

November 2, 2026

Illinois election 2026: How to research the local judges on your ballot

Big races in Illinois are on the 2026 midterm ballot, including races in the Senate, House and even the seat for Illinois governor. But there are other questions voters will decide on, including whether or not to retain certain judges.

In Illinois, there are three different levels of courts where judges are put before the voters. In some counties, the races are contested, where judges are running against each other. In others, judicial questions on the ballot is about judge retention, with votes taken after either six or 10 years, depending on the court in question.

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Click Image Below to Read Rep. Ford's Special Edition on Judges

Chicago Public School Board Elections 2026

Chicago Defender Reports

November 2, 2026

Chicago School Board Election 2026 – A Complete Guide to the Candidates and What’s at Stake

Chicago voters will make history Tuesday, November 3, when they elect every member of the Chicago Board of Education for the first time, marking a major shift in how the nation’s fourth-largest public school district is governed.

The election will determine who occupies 20 district seats and the citywide school board presidency, giving residents direct authority over the leadership responsible for overseeing Chicago Public Schools, its multibillion-dollar budget, academic policies, school facilities and long-term direction.

For more than three decades, Chicago’s mayor has exercised appointment authority over the school board. Tuesday’s election represents the completion of a transition toward an elected board, placing greater responsibility in the hands of voters across the city’s neighborhoods.

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Chalkbeat Chicago Reports

November 2, 2026

Where do Chicago school board candidates go for pizza? Here’s what they told us.

Chalkbeat partnered with more than a dozen news organizations to cover this year’s historic election. We asked candidates 15 questions about important issues facing the Chicago Board of Education that informed a multilingual voter guide, built in collaboration with Block Club, the Sun-Times, and WBEZ.

But in the final stretch, we put one more question to the candidates. Not about politics, but about pizza — although pizzeria preferences might be just as contentious in Chicago.

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Click Image Below to Read Rep. Ford's Special Edition on the Elected School Board

Illinois Advisory Questions

NBC 5 News Reports

November 2, 2026

What referendums will be on ballots in the Chicago area? Here's what to know

Chicago-area voters are heading to the polls this week, and there will be dozens of different referendums that voters will face around the region.

Voters in the city of Chicago will see at least six ballot questions, with more possible at the ward-level, but they are far from alone in determining everything from bond issues to questions about the structure of governments and more.

Some of those referendums are binding, while others are advisory, but all will be used to potentially reshape key points of government at various levels.

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Election 2026: Three Chicago ballot questions voters will see

CBS News Reports

October 26, 2026

Illinois ballots will include several advisory referenda during 2026 midterm elections

The 2026 midterm elections are on Nov. 3, and Illinois voters will find more than just candidates in the big races on their ballots. Voters also will be asked to weigh in on several advisory referenda about potential new laws.

While the results of those referenda will not decide the fate of potential legislation, they will send a signal to lawmakers about what the public would support.

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Beyond the Ballot

The Importance of Continued Civic Engagement

Although Election Day is an important opportunity to participate in democracy, civic engagement should not end once the polls close. Residents can continue making their voices heard by attending town halls, participating in community meetings, staying informed about legislation, and communicating directly with their elected representatives. Remaining involved in public policy discussions allows individuals to advocate for issues affecting their neighborhoods and hold government officials accountable for the decisions they make. Building informed and engaged communities requires continued participation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to addressing local needs.

What is Civic Engagement?

American Psychological Association Reports

Civic Engagement

The term “civic engagement” is not commonly used among psychologists, yet the focus on work for the common good is central to most of the divisions of APA. This section demonstrates ways that psychologists support civic engagement and invites the reader to consider other possible examples.

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Post- Voting Steps

How to Confirm Your Vote and

Stay Informed

After casting your vote, it's crucial to confirm that your ballot was successfully counted and to stay informed about the electoral process. Many jurisdictions offer online tools or hotlines where voters can verify their voting status and confirm that their ballot was received and counted accurately. Additionally, remaining engaged with local and national news helps voters stay informed about election outcomes, potential changes in legislation, and future voting opportunities. This proactive approach not only ensures that your voice is heard but also promotes ongoing participation in the democratic process.

What happens to your vote after

you've voted