Get Ready: Your Vote—Why It Matters and How to Be Prepared

Why Local Elections Matter

While national elections capture the spotlight with big headlines, local elections often matter even more. That’s because the officials we elect closer to home are the ones making decisions about the services and policies we live with every day.  

Local government is the starting point for the issues that are most important to voters. Essential questions like law enforcement, school curriculums, housing policies, public safety, and tax rates are all decided through local elections.

But the impact doesn’t stop there — local and state elections also determine how public funding is allocated. That means your vote influences: 

• Education funding: How much is invested in teachers, classroom resources, and after-school programs. 

• Childcare programs: The availability and affordability of childcare and early education. 

• Senior care services: Support for aging residents, from home care to community health centers. 

• Medical insurance access: State decisions on Medicaid, community health initiatives, and affordable coverage options. 

• Immigration policy implementation: How local agencies support immigrant communities and ensure fair access to city or county services. 

Your vote helps decide how your tax dollars are spent and what priorities are supported. Voting is one of the most direct ways to influence the quality of everyday life where you live.

A Key Timeline for Illinois Voters 

Stay informed and mark these important election dates on your calendar. (lwvil.org) 

• December 17, 2025 – First day to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot. 

• February 5, 2026 – First day to vote early or by mail. 

• February 17, 2026 – Last day for regular (paper) voter registration. 

• February 18, 2026 – First day of the grace period for in-person registration and voting at election authority and early voting sites (continues through Election Day). 

• March 1, 2026 – Last day for online voter registration (grace period registration still available in person). 

• March 12, 2026 – Last day for election authorities to receive vote-by-mail applications. 

• March 17, 2026 – Primary Election Day! Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

What You Can Do Now 

• Check your registration status. Make sure your name, address, and information are current. 

• Choose how you’ll vote. Decide whether to vote by mail, early in person, or on Election Day. 

• Know your ballot. Learn which offices and issues you’ll be voting on — especially local ones that directly affect your daily life. 

• Make a plan. Mark key dates and coordinate with family and friends so everyone has what they need to vote. 

 

Learn More About Voter Information Basics 

CASL and CBCAC are co-hosting an upcoming workshop on Tuesday, October 28 from noon-1pm at CASL’s Harmony Hall (2171 S Tan Ct) for Voter Information Basics. You’ll learn about: 

• Voting eligibility  

• Methods of voting  

• Important dates  

• Polling places  

• Voter ID 

• Which offices are on the ballot for this coming voting season 

Can’t make it? Follow local civic groups like CBCAC Chicago for updates, future events, and engagement opportunities.