Politics
Early Voting for November General Election Expands in Chicago, Suburban Cook County
Chicago Board of Elections Downtown Voting Supersite, 137 S. State St., on October 19, 2026. (WTTW News)
Voters who want to cast their ballots early for the upcoming November election now have more options across the Chicago area.
Expanded early voting kicked off Monday in Chicago and suburban Cook County.
In Chicago, early voting is now available in all 50 wards. View the list of locations here.
Chicago voters can vote at any early voting location, regardless of where they live in the city.
50 Ward Early Voting Hours (Oct. 19-Nov. 2)
- Monday through Friday - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Downtown early voting locations at the Chicago Board of Elections Supersite (137 S. State Street) and Chicago Board of Elections Office (69 W. Washington Street, 6th Floor) are still open during the same hours as above, until Oct. 26 through Nov. 2 when they are open until 7 p.m.
In addition, Chicago State University, Northeastern Illinois University and University of Chicago will have early voting Oct. 28-30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Voters can register to vote or update their registration at any early voting site.
Read more: WTTW News 2026 General Election Voter Guide
As of Sunday night, 5,975 in-person ballots have been cast in the city, according to the Chicago Board of Elections. A total of 30,234 vote-by-mail ballots have been returned so far.
In suburban Cook County, early voting expands to 56 sites. View locations and hours here.
“It’s important to make a voting plan today,” said Chicago Board of Elections Chairwoman Marisel Hernandez during a Monday news conference. “Decide who you’re voting for before you get to your early voting location, and make your voices heard. Make your vote count.”
Chicago voters will vote for Chicago Board of Education president and board members.
Other offices on the ballot include U.S. senator and U.S. representatives; Illinois offices include governor, attorney general, secretary of state, comptroller, treasurer, state senators and state representatives; several referenda and more.
Election Day is Nov. 3. On Election Day, voters can vote at their assigned precinct polling place, at any of the 50 ward voting sites or at the Chicago Board of Elections Supersite. Same-day voter registration is available.
Contact Eunice Alpasan: [email protected]
