Illinois primary election voter guide: Key races and more
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Natalie Peeples/Axios
Thousands of voters are expected to show up at polling stations around Illinois this election day.
Why it matters: While the winners of Illinois' primary will still face challenges in November, tonight's results in deep blue Cook County will give candidates in some races a leg up in the general election.
The big picture: Both President Biden and former President Trump have already secured enough delegates to clinch their party nominations for the first presidential rematch since 1956.
- But there are plenty of exciting and important primary battles still on Illinois' ballot.
What they're saying: "We're going to see who is really motivated," NBC 5 News political reporter Mary Ann Ahern, who will cover results for the station's live-streamed show tonight, tells Axios.
- "While Chicago is a deep blue city, the migrant crisis has sparked debate on what direction voters want elected officials to take."
What we're watching:
- Cook County state's attorney: The Democratic primary fight started with two candidates who had similar backgrounds and philosophies, but it's turned into a proxy battle between downtown and community interests about how to handle crime.
- 7th Congressional District: Incumbent Danny Davis seeks to fend off two viable challengers in Melissa Conyears-Ervin and Kina Collins.
- Bring Chicago Home referendum: After months of political jockeying, court challenges and ad blitzes, we'll see where voters stand on the ordinance to add a tax to luxury real estate that would fund resources for people experiencing homelessness.
The intrigue: Early voting numbers are down significantly from 2020, so all eyes are on how many Chicagoans vote Tuesday.
Key voter information
Sample ballots: Obtain a sample ballot here.
Mail-in ballots: There are several ways to submit mail-in ballots, but you must apply to receive a ballot by March 14, and your ballot must be returned or postmarked by the day of the election.
- Drop boxes are now accepting ballots in every ward .
Judicial races: Check out guides from across the political spectrum:
- 🏛 Alliance of Bar Associations features recs from 13 bar associations in and around Cook County.
- ⚖️ Injustice Watch includes picks from this nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism organization.
- 👧🏻 Girl, I Guess Voters Guide offers choices from progressive organizer Stephanie Skora.
More election coverage
- Chicago's down-ballot races, explained
- Democrats fight over West Side congressional seat
- Immigration shakes out to be key issue in Illinois 4th District race
- Cook County Board of Review commissioner faces first challenger in decades
- Inside the fight for Cook County's Circuit Court clerk
Editor's note: This guide will be updated with relevant information and stories ahead of the election.