WTTW News’ Voter Guide is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know before voting in the 2026 Illinois primary election with information on statewide, Cook County and Chicago races. You’ll find candidate profiles that include detailed, issue-based questionnaires and an easy-to-navigate compilation of legal bar association ratings for the sometimes difficult-to-navigate judicial races.
Our Voter Toolbox is the place to go for information on how to vote early, where to vote and all the things you need to know about Election Day. We also pulled together the latest election and political coverage from our WTTW News team.
How to vote where to voteKey Dates
Tuesday, March 17
Tuesday, March 17
Important Note: USPS has changed when mail is postmarked.
Thursday, February 5
2026 Races
U.S. Senate
U.S. senators are chosen in statewide elections and serve six-year terms in Congress.
U.S. House
U.S. representatives are elected from geographic districts and serve as legislators in Congress.
Illinois Governor
The governor is the head of Illinois’ government, tasked with ensuring proper execution of state laws.
Illinois Attorney General
As Illinois’ chief legal officer, the attorney general is responsible for protecting the public interest.
Illinois Secretary of State
The Illinois secretary of state issues driver’s licenses, incorporates businesses and serves as state librarian.
Illinois Comptroller
The comptroller is the chief fiscal control officer for Illinois government, tasked with signing paychecks and approving payments.
Illinois Treasurer
The Illinois treasurer protects the state’s portfolio and invests money on behalf of the state and local units of government.
MWRD Commissioners
(2-year terms)
MWRD is responsible for protecting homes and businesses from flood damage and for protecting the water quality of Lake Michigan and Chicago-area rivers and streams.
MWRD Commissioners
(6-year terms)
MWRD is responsible for protecting homes and businesses from flood damage and for protecting the water quality of Lake Michigan and Chicago-area rivers and streams.
Cook County Board President
The president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners serves as the county’s CEO.
Cook County Clerk
The Cook County clerk administers elections for suburban Cook County voters. The clerk also maintains vital records and handles aspects of the real estate tax process.
Cook County Sheriff
As Cook County’s chief law enforcement officer, the sheriff oversees the Cook County Jail and directs more than 6,700 officers, deputies and civilians.
Cook County Treasurer
The Cook County treasurer is responsible for collecting, safeguarding, investing and distributing property tax funds.
Cook County Assessor
The Cook County Assessor’s Office is tasked with delivering assessments of residential and commercial properties.
Cook County Board of Review (Dist. 1)
The three-member board hears and decides taxpayer complaints on the assessed value or exempt status of property in Cook County.
Cook County Board of Review (Dist. 2)
The three-member board hears and decides taxpayer complaints on the assessed value or exempt status of property in Cook County.
Illinois Appellate Court (First District)
The Illinois Appellate Court consists of 54 judges who are divided among five judicial districts.
Cook County Circuit Court
Illinois judges are chosen through partisan elections. Around one-third of Cook County circuit judges are elected countywide. The other two-thirds of judicial seats are distributed among 20 geographic subcircuits.
Cook County Subcircuit Court
Illinois judges are chosen through partisan elections. Around one-third of Cook County circuit judges are elected countywide. The other two-thirds of judicial seats are distributed among 20 geographic subcircuits.
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