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Story perspectives

Record Early Voting Surges in Illinois Primary 2026

3/17/2026

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Story summary
  • Early voting for the 2026 Illinois primary set a record, with nearly 188,000 ballots cast before March 17, 2026.
  • The record surpasses the 2018 high of 106,252 early votes.
  • As of March 16, 2026, the Chicago Board of Elections counted 102,775 early votes and 85,282 mail-in ballots.
  • Polls opened at 6 a.m. on March 17, 2026 and will close at 7 p.m.