Illinois residents will cast ballots for federal, state and local offices on Tuesday, November 1, 2026. Polls close at 7 p.m. local time (8 p.m. ET), and the Associated Press (AP) will provide comprehensive vote tallies and declare winners once a clear margin is established.
What offices are on the ballot?
Voters will choose candidates for U.S. Senate, governor, U.S. House, attorney general, secretary of state, state Senate, state House, comptroller, county board, county clerk, county assessor, county treasurer, county sheriff, state treasurer and water reclamation district commissioner. The race includes both statewide contests and numerous county‑level positions.
Early and absentee voting
In the 2022 U.S. Senate race, about 4.1 million votes were cast, with roughly 39 % of ballots submitted early or by absentee ballot. Illinois continues to see strong participation through these channels, and the AP’s advance‑vote tracker offers the latest totals for early and absentee ballots.
Reporting timeline on Election Night
Most Illinois counties are expected to release at least some early and absentee results shortly after polls close, and about half of the counties should begin reporting in‑person votes early in the evening. For reference, the first results of the 2024 general election appeared at 8:14 p.m. ET, 14 minutes after polls closed. By 9:30 p.m. ET the state had reported 50 % of votes, and by 12:45 a.m. ET on November 6 it had reported 90 % of votes.
How the AP calls races
The AP does not make projections. It will declare a winner only when it determines that no remaining scenario could allow a trailing candidate to overtake the leader. If a race remains undecided, the AP will continue to cover any notable developments, such as candidate concessions or victory statements, while clearly indicating that a winner has not yet been declared.
Recount rules in Illinois
Illinois does not have an automatic recount law. Candidates who receive at least 95 % of the winning candidate’s vote may request and fund a limited recount, but the results of such a recount are non‑binding and will not directly alter the election outcome. The AP may still declare a winner in a race subject to a recount if the margin is large enough that a recount or legal challenge could not change the result.
Where to follow the coverage
For ongoing updates, readers can follow the AP’s dedicated 2026 election page at apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/. The page includes live vote totals, early‑vote data and explanations of the counting process.
Illinois voters are encouraged to verify their polling locations, bring appropriate identification and consider early‑voting options where available. As the night progresses, the AP’s transparent reporting will help ensure that every Illinois citizen can follow the results with confidence.
Original reporting: Capitol City Now (WTAX 1240 Springfield) — read the source article.
