Early voting opened on Thursday, September 24, 2026, across a number of Chicago-area suburbs as the state moves toward the November 3 midterm elections. Voters in the participating counties can now cast ballots in person ahead of the statewide election, taking advantage of the period allowed by Illinois law.
Illinois statutes permit early voting to start up to 40 days before a statewide election, and the current midterm cycle follows that timeline. The early voting window therefore extends from today through the days leading up to the November 3 ballot, giving residents ample opportunity to vote before Election Day.
The rollout of early voting in the Chicago suburbs reflects the broader implementation of the state's early voting provisions. By opening polling locations now, local election officials aim to provide convenient access for voters, reduce crowds on Election Day, and accommodate those who may have scheduling conflicts on November 3.
Residents who wish to vote early can visit designated polling sites within their respective suburban counties. The early voting process follows the same procedures as regular voting, with voters presenting identification and receiving a ballot to mark in a private booth. Once completed, ballots are securely collected and later counted alongside those cast on Election Day.
Election officials emphasize that the early voting period is an integral part of the state's effort to increase participation and ensure a smooth electoral process. The 40-day window, established by state law, is designed to give voters flexibility while maintaining the integrity of the election.
As the midterm elections approach, the early voting phase in Chicago's suburbs serves as the first major step in the statewide voting calendar. Voters who take advantage of the early voting period will have their ballots counted in the same tally that determines the composition of the U.S. House of Representatives, Senate seats, and various state offices on November 3.