Chicago's 2026 Election: What You Need to Know Before November 3

Election Day is right around the corner! On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Chicagoans will have an opportunity to weigh in on decisions affecting our city, state, and country. From public education and community safety to transportation, infrastructure, and public services, the people elected to office make decisions that affect our everyday lives. Here's a look at some of the important issues and resources available to Chicago voters.

What's on the Ballot in Chicago?

The November 3 general election includes a wide range of federal, state, county, and local offices, including:

• U.S. Senate and House of Representatives
• Illinois Governor and other statewide offices
• Illinois State Senate and House of Representatives
• Cook County elected officials
• Judicial positions
• Chicago Board of Education

This election is particularly significant for Chicago Public Schools. For the first time, voters will elect a fully elected, 21-member Chicago Board of Education, including its president. The specific candidates and contests appearing on your ballot will depend on your voting district.

How do I register to vote in Chicago?

The online registration deadline for the November 3, 2026 election has passed, but Chicago residents who haven't done so may still register in person at early voting sites or at your precinct polling place on Election Day.

To qualify to register to vote, you must:

• be a U.S. citizen
• be 18 years old on or before the date of the General Election (11/3/2026)
  • 16-year-olds may pre-register to vote online by using the Illinois State Board of Elections website and will have their application held in abeyance until voting age.
• live in your precinct at least 30 days before the election
• not claim the right to vote elsewhere
• not be in prison/jail serving time for a conviction.
  • Note: returning citizens who have been released from prison/jail and who meet all other requirements listed above are eligible to register and vote in Illinois. People who have been released and are on parole/probation are eligible to register and vote in Illinois.

You must come prepared with 2 forms of ID, one listing your current home address.

The Chicago Board of Elections provides official information about in-person registration, available locations, deadlines, and identification requirements. Not sure if you're registered? Find everything you need to know about Chicago voter registration on the Chicago Board of Elections registration page.  

How does early voting work?

Early voting is open! If you are a registered voter in Chicago, you can vote at any Early Voting/Vote Center site, no matter where you live in the city. Choose the voting site that is most convenient for you, including on Election Day. All locations are ADA-compliant and fully accessible to voters with disabilities. Same Day Registration is available at all Early Voting/Vote Center sites, including 51 sites on Election Day. You will need two forms of ID, one with your current address - click here for acceptable forms of ID. Early voters may choose to vote in one of 12 languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean, Tagalog, Gujarati, Urdu, Arabic, Ukrainian, and Russian. Downtown Chicago Early Voting is now open at the Downtown Voting Supersite (137 S. State St.) and CBOE Office (69 W. Washington St. - 6th Floor) Early Voting sites have the following hours: Monday through Friday - 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Election Day – November 3, 2026 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. See all Early Voting sites here: https://chicagoelections.gov/voting/early-votingvote-centers.

Where can I vote on Election Day?

The Chicago Board of Elections Commissioner is the definitive source for how and where to vote. Look up your polling place here: https://chicagoelections.gov/voting/your-voter-information.  

What do I need to vote?

If you are a registered voter, at your correct precinct polling place, and an Election Judge does not challenge your right to vote, you don't need anything to vote. However, it's always smart to carry your government issued form of identification. Your registration may be challenged if your signature does not match the one on file. You also need ID if your mail-in registration form did not include your social security number, Illinois ID number or drivers license number. If you're registering in person, you will need 2 forms of ID.

Accepted Forms of ID

• Passport or Military ID
• Driver's License or State ID card
• College/University/School/Work ID
• Vehicle registration card
• Lease, mortgage or deed to home
• Credit or debit card
• Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid card
• Insurance card
• Civic, union or professional membership card
• LINK/Public Aid/Department of Human Services card
• Illinois FOID card

Examples of mail addressed to voter that can be used as ID

• Bill, Transcript or Report Card from School
• Bank Statement, Pay Stub or Pension Statement
• Utility, Medical or Insurance Bill
• Official mail from any government agency

How Can I Learn More About the Candidates?

It can be difficult to keep track of all the candidates and races, especially when the ballot includes offices that don't receive much media coverage. Fortunately, several nonpartisan resources provide information about candidates, their backgrounds, and their positions on important issues. WTTW News 2026 Voter Guide Includes candidate profiles, issue-based questionnaires, and information about statewide, Cook County, and Chicago races. League of Women Voters of Chicago Provides nonpartisan election information and links to candidate forums and educational resources. VOTE411.org A resource from the League of Women Voters that provides information about candidates and ballot issues. Take some time to research candidates in races beyond the ones receiving the most attention. Local and judicial elections can have lasting effects on Chicago communities.

Should I use a paper or electronic voting machine?

Both are valid and trusted ways to vote. If you choose a paper ballot, make sure to fully fill in the oval for your chosen candidates with provided marker. Touchscreen machines have the added benefit of allowing voters to choose one of 12 languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean, Tagalog, Gujarati, Urdu, Arabic, Ukrainian, and Russian. Both balloting systems provide verifiable paper trails for all ballots cast. Click the links below for instructions and information on how to vote. Click here for instructions on using both balloting systems Click here for 'How to Vote' demonstration videos Click here for 'Why You Can Trust the Voting Machines"

Are Chicago Public Schools Closed on Election Day?

Yes. Chicago Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. There will be no classes for CPS students, and district offices will also be closed. Parents should also be aware that Monday, November 2, is a parent-teacher conference day, with no classes for students. That means CPS families will need to plan for two consecutive weekdays without classes. Families with children attending private, charter, or suburban schools should check their individual school calendars. For updates, visit the Chicago Public Schools calendar.

What are my rights as a voter?

Did you know there is a Voters Bill of Rights? You are legally protected in the following ways: No matter what, you have a right to:

1. Cast your ballot without interference.
2. Vote if you are in line by 7:00 p.m.
3. Go to your home precinct and present IDs on election day to (a) register to vote or (b) update your registration, and then cast a ballot if you have not voted already at this election.
4. Vote at your old polling place if you moved less than 31 days before the election.
5. Get help voting from the election judges or from an eligible relative or friend.
6. Use endorsements, sample ballots, or notes while voting.
7. Protect the secrecy of your ballot.
8. Check your ballot choices and correct any mistakes.
9. Have your ballot counted fairly and impartially.
10. Have your young child with you in the voting booth.

If any of your rights are violated, call Election Central on Election Day at 312-269-7870.  

A Reminder About Community Safety

Election Day brings additional activity to public buildings and community spaces throughout Chicago. Whether you're driving, walking, biking, or traveling with children who are home from school, remember to watch for pedestrians, use designated crossings, and allow extra time when traveling through busy areas. At Strom Yen Injury Attorneys, we're proud to serve the Chicago community. We believe staying informed and looking out for one another are important parts of making our neighborhoods safer and stronger.