By Townhall Chicago News Staff
The Chicago Board of Elections on Monday expanded early voting to locations in all 50 wards, giving every city resident a neighborhood option to cast a ballot ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
The expansion marks a significant increase in access after early voting had been available only at two downtown supersites since late September. Suburban Cook County simultaneously opened 56 locations, bringing the total number of early voting sites across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs to more than 100.
“This is considered a historic election, because it marks the transition to a fully elected Chicago Board of Education President and Board Members,” the Chicago Board of Elections said in a news release Monday.
Voters can cast ballots at any early voting site in the city regardless of the ward they live in. Sites will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays through Nov. 2.
Two downtown locations remain available as well: the board’s supersite at 137 S. State St. and its office at 69 W. Washington St.
Besides the school board races, voters will decide a U.S. Senate seat, congressional and state legislative offices, the governor’s race and several referenda. The slate has driven strong early interest. The board reported that more than 30,000 mail-in ballots had already been returned as of Sunday, up from about 27,000 at the same point during this year’s primary elections.
“We’re working with the sheriff’s office as well as local law enforcement to make sure if anything happens that’s unexpected that we will be prepared,” Marisol Hernandez, chairperson of the Chicago Board of Elections, said at a Monday news conference. “If you overprepare, you don’t have to overreact.”
Voters can also register or update their registration at any early voting site. Photo identification is not required, though election officials said it can help resolve questions about registration, address or signature.
Three additional polling sites at Chicago State University, Northeastern Illinois University and the University of Chicago will open for early voting from Oct. 28 through Oct. 30, according to the board.
Monday also served as the first day candidates in the February 2027 municipal elections could submit nominating petitions. Those running for Chicago mayor, city clerk and city treasurer must file at least 12,500 valid signatures by Oct. 26.
The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is Oct. 29. Completed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and returned within 14 days of the election.
Election officials encouraged voters who plan to mail their ballots to bring them directly to a post office and request a hand-stamped postmark, citing a change in U.S. Postal Service processing rules that took effect Jan. 1. Under the new rules, mail is postmarked the day it is processed, which can be several days after drop-off.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
