Illinois Primary 2026: Live Updates on Voter Turnout & Key Races
Illinois voters are heading to the polls today, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, for the state’s primary elections. As of 5 p.m. Central Time, more than one-fifth of Chicago’s registered voters – 339,427 ballots – have been cast, including those submitted via early voting and mail-in options, bringing citywide turnout to 21.84%. The numbers suggest a potentially high turnout for a midterm primary, driven by several hotly contested races across the state.
A Crowded Ballot and Contested Races
This year’s primary is notable for the number of open seats and competitive races, particularly at the federal level. The retirement of longtime U.S. Senator Dick Durbin after nearly three decades in office has sparked a fierce battle for his seat, with ten Democrats and six Republicans vying for the nomination. CBS News Chicago details the crowded field, which includes Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and U.S. Representatives Robin Kelly and Raja Krishnamoorthi as frontrunners.
The decision by Representative Kelly to run for Senate has also opened up a competitive race in Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District, attracting ten Democratic candidates, including former Representative Jesse Jackson Jr., who previously held the seat from 1995 to 2012. The 9th Congressional District is also seeing a flurry of activity, with fifteen Democrats competing to replace retiring Representative Jan Schakowsky, who has served since 1999.
Turnout Trends and Demographic Breakdown
The high level of competition appears to be motivating voters. Analysts, including Anthony Salvanto, CBS News executive director of elections and surveys, suggest that statewide turnout could approach levels seen during the 2020 presidential primary, a rare occurrence for a midterm election. Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot commented that increased voter participation is “good for democracy,” while former Illinois GOP lawmaker Tom Demmer believes the contested races are driving Democratic turnout specifically.
Breaking down the numbers, Chicago election officials have released demographic data on voter participation as of 5 p.m. Today:
- 18 – 24: 14,763 ballots cast
- 25 – 34: 50,915 ballots cast
- 35 – 44: 50,621 ballots cast
- 45 – 54: 44,294 ballots cast
- 55 – 64: 58,436 ballots cast
- 65 – 74: 68,018 ballots cast
- 75+: 51,343 ballots cast
Cook County Board President Race Heats Up
Beyond the federal races, the Cook County Board President primary is also drawing attention. Four-term incumbent Toni Preckwinkle is facing a challenge from longtime Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly. The race has been described as “hard-fought and at times bitter,” with Reilly positioning himself as a fresh alternative to Preckwinkle’s more progressive approach. The winner will face Libertarian candidate Michael Murphy in the general election in November.
Voting Issues and Accessibility
While the election process has largely run smoothly, some voters have encountered issues. Illinois State Representative LaShawn Ford reported being initially denied a ballot at his polling place due to a mistaken record indicating he had already voted. The issue was eventually resolved, and Ford was able to cast his ballot, but the incident highlights the importance of ensuring accurate voter records and accessible voting procedures.
What’s Next: Tracking Results and Looking Ahead
Polls across Illinois remain open until 7 p.m. Central Time. Anyone in line at closing time will still be allowed to cast their ballot. As the evening progresses, election officials will begin tabulating the results, and the Chicago Sun-Times voter guide and CBS News Chicago will provide live updates, and analysis. The outcomes of these primary races will set the stage for the general election in November, shaping the political landscape of Illinois for years to come.
The Illinois State Board of Elections website (ova.elections.il.gov) remains a valuable resource for voters seeking information about their polling place and the candidates on the ballot.