Chicagoans are gearing up for the Nov. 3, 2026 general election, the first midterm in which the city will elect a president and members of the Chicago Board of Education. Early voting began Oct. 19 across all 50 wards and at three local universities, giving voters ample opportunity to cast their ballots before Election Day.
How to Vote
Registered voters can request a mail‑in ballot through the Chicago Board of Elections’ online portal, but must do so by Oct. 29. The ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day and includes a prepaid return envelope. The League of Women Voters of Illinois advises mailing the ballot at least a week early to allow for postal processing.
For those who prefer to vote in person, same‑day registration is available at every early‑voting site. Early‑voting locations are open weekdays 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The city has posted a complete list of ward locations, ranging from the Goldblatts Building in Ward 1 to the Northtown Library in Ward 50.
University Sites
Three university sites—Chicago State University, Northeastern Illinois University and the University of Chicago’s Reynolds Club—will host early‑voting booths from Oct. 28‑30, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. These sites are open to all Chicago voters, not just students.
Election Day Hours
Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Nov. 3. The Board of Election Commissioners’ main office at 69 W. Washington St. will be closed, but a supersite at 137 S. State St. will remain open the full day.
ID Requirements
In most cases, voters do not need to present ID. However, if an election judge challenges a voter’s eligibility, one form of identification showing the voter’s current address must be provided. Voters who need to register on Election Day or during early voting must present two forms of ID.
Resources for Voters
The nonpartisan Election Protection coalition offers a multilingual hotline for voting questions. Call or text 866‑OUR‑VOTE (866‑687‑8683) for English assistance, 888‑VE‑Y‑VOTA (888‑839‑8682) for Spanish, 888‑API‑VOTE (888‑274‑8683) for Asian languages, or 844‑YALLA‑US (844‑925‑5287) for Arabic.
What’s on the Ballot?
Chicago voters will elect members and a president to the Chicago Board of Education, marking the city’s first fully elected school board. The board has 20 seats up for election, with 41 candidates vying for two‑year and four‑year terms.
Statewide, the ballot includes races for U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, Illinois governor and lieutenant governor, and other statewide offices. Local races for the Illinois General Assembly and several referenda will also appear.
Sample Ballot and District Info
Voters can view a sample ballot and find their school‑board district on the Chicago Board of Elections website. Detailed candidate lists are available for each race, from the Chicago Board of Education slate to congressional and state legislative contests.
With early‑voting sites open, mail‑in options available, and clear guidance on ID requirements, Chicago residents have multiple pathways to participate in this historic election. Make sure you’re registered, know your polling location, and cast your vote on Nov. 3.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
