Illinois State Senate elections, 2026

About This Race

The Illinois State Senate elections in 2026 will determine the party control of the state's upper legislative chamber. All 39 Senate seats are up for election, with the primary held on March 17, 2026 and the general election on November 3, 2026. Voters can register online until October 18, 2026, and early voting runs from September 24 to November 2, 2026.

Important Dates

Election Date

November 3, 2026

Registration Deadline

October 18, 2026

Early Voting Starts

September 24, 2026

Early Voting Ends

November 2, 2026

How to Vote

Voters can register in person by November 3, 2026, by mail (postmarked by October 6, 2026), or online by October 18, 2026. Absentee/mail-in voting is available to all voters, with request deadlines of in-person (November 2), mail (received by October 29), or online (October 29). Ballots must be returned in person by November 3 or by mail (postmarked by November 3). Early voting is available from September 24 to November 2. Polls are open 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT on Election Day.