This voter guide, created by young people, educates voters on essential information and resources for the 2026 Primary Election. It equips Chicagoans with the tools to make informed decisions about candidates at the community, local, and national levels.
Local elections are also on the ballot, and we have provided detailed information and resources for those too. The power of our vote starts right here in our city, in our courts, community, classroom, and state!
This guide is for informational purposes only, designed to help voters understand where each candidate stands on issues important to them.
March 17th IS ELECTION DAY!
Index
Important Reminders!
February 12 at 9:00 AM
Early voting at Downtown supersite (2 locations)
- 137 South State Street
- 69 W Washington Street (6th Floor)
February 17
Last day to submit paper voter registration forms
March 1
Last day for online voter registration
March 2
Early voting begins in all 50 wards
March 12 by 5:00 PM
Last day to apply to vote by mail
Who is Chicago Votes?
Chicago Votes Action Fund, is a non-profit organization building a more inclusive democracy by putting power in the hands of young Chicagoans. We’re engaging and developing a new generation of leaders by opening the doors of government and politics to young people from all corners of the city. We’re changing laws to make Chicago and Illinois a better place to be young, and in the process, we’re making democracy FUN.
Chicago Votes runs 4 initiatives: Unlock Civics, Give A Sh*t Chicago (GAS), Reimagining Democracy, and Advocacy. These initiatives carry out programming that focus on civic education, leadership development, voter turnout, and advocacy. Programming prioritizes engaging youth between the ages of 17 and 35 who are currently or formerly incarcerated, creatives, students, and residents of disenfranchised neighborhoods.
Learn more about our programming, paid positions, and volunteer opportunities at chicagovotes.com and stay up to date with us on social media @chicagovotes!
“We’re changing laws to make Chicago and Illinois a better place to be young, and in the process, we’re making democracy FUN.”
Learn more about our programming, paid positions, and volunteer opportunities at chicagovotes.com and stay up to date with us on social media @chicagovotes!
Keep in mind, this guide is for informational purposes only, designed to help voters understand where each candidate stands on issues important to young people. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we do not endorse or oppose any candidates or political parties.