Full Breakdown
Record Early Voting in Chicago for 2026 Illinois Primary Elections
3/18/2026, 12:36:12 PM
Early Voting Surge in Chicago
Chicago voters have set a new early voting record ahead of the 2026 Illinois primary elections, with the Chicago Board of Elections reporting 188,057 votes cast during the early voting period. This figure surpasses the previous record of 106,252 votes set in 2018. As of noon CDT on primary day, a total of 250,364 ballots had been received, representing 16.11% of the city's registered voters. The early voting period included 102,775 early vote ballots and 85,282 mail-in ballots.
Key Candidates in the Democratic Primary
The primary elections feature a competitive Democratic primary to fill the seat of retiring Senator Dick Durbin. Ten candidates are vying for the nomination, with Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly considered the frontrunners. Krishnamoorthi has led in campaign spending, with approximately $37 million in advertising, significantly outpacing Stratton's $14.8 million and Kelly's $1.3 million. Stratton is supported by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who contributed $5 million to her campaign. The candidates have engaged in a contentious exchange over campaign financing and voting records.
Broader Context of Voter Turnout
The record early voting in Chicago aligns with increased voter turnout in other states, such as North Carolina and Texas, during their recent primary elections. Political analysts attribute this surge to heightened interest in the open Senate seat and various congressional races, reflecting a growing engagement among voters.
Official Statements & Responses
Chicago Board of Elections spokesman Max Bever noted the unpredictability of primary election turnout, stating, "Primary elections are always a bit tough to predict the turnout overall. They can really vary wildly from election to election." He expressed cautious optimism about achieving a turnout of 30% or more, which would mark an improvement over previous midterm elections.
Criticism & Opposition
Some observers have raised concerns about the influence of political action committees (PACs) in the primary elections, with estimates indicating over $31 million has been spent by PACs, including those focused on issues like cryptocurrency and foreign policy. Former Illinois Republican Party chairman Pat Brady commented on the significant financial backing, highlighting a potential divide within the Democratic Party regarding support for Israel.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Chicago Board of Elections reported strong early voting numbers, there is no definitive data yet on overall voter turnout compared to previous elections. The final turnout figures will be clearer once all ballots are counted after polls close at 7 p.m. on primary day.
What's Next
As the primary elections unfold, results will begin to be reported once polls close. The outcome of the Democratic primary and other contested races will be closely monitored, as they may set the stage for the general elections later in the year.
