A historic wave of retirements is hitting the Illinois congressional delegation, and every statewide office is up for election. As we settle into a new year, here are three political storylines to watch for before the March primary: U.

Primary election ballot certified The Illinois State Board of Elections certified the March 2026 primary ballot this week, removing several Republican candidates for governor after upholding petition challenges.

The general primary elections are just months away, but in some places, people can vote as early as next month. State law allows Illinois citizens to vote in the 40 days prior to election day, and voters do not need to declare an excuse as to why they need to vote

The Illinois State Board of Elections certified the March 2026 primary ballot this week, removing several candidates for governor and U.S. Senate after upholding petition challenges.

will be nothing short of a banner year with so many races and a bumper crop of candidates vying for what could be an unprecedented number of open congressional seats.

CHICAGO - Early voting for the 2026 primary election in Illinois will start soon, with voters having multiple opportunities to cast their ballot for several key local, state, and federal offices. While the primary election day is set for March 17, there will also be early voting via mail and in-person available weeks beforehand.

With 2026 upon us, the new year offers Illinois voters a fresh opportunity to change Springfield. Primary elections are March 17. But early voting begins Feb. 5. The bombardment of political ads will commence this week. And so will the Republican primary voter litmus test.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Darin LaHood are up for reelection in 2026. Those races and others will have an impact around the state and locally.

Central Illinois election officials are urging voters not to be discouraged by new changes to postage rules, as the USPS has issued new guidance which states the postmark date may not match the day you drop your mail into your mailbox.