What is a Primary Election? A primary election is a preliminary election used by political parties to select their candidates for an upcoming general election. It allows registered Illinois voters to vote for the candidate they believe should represent the party on the ballot in the upcoming general election. Voting in a primary is important because it gives you a direct say in who gets to run for office on behalf of a political party. In Chicago, the winner of the primary, especially down ballot candidates, effectively become the winner of the general election. If you skip the primary, you lose your chance to shape the choices you'll see later on the general ballot.

How you can participate in the upcoming March 17, 2026 Primary Election

1. Take Our Survey 2026 Civics Research Project Survey

We are surveying registered voters who do not typically vote in Primary Elections, but do vote in General Elections, to better understand your voting needs to make an informed decision. The three required questions should not take more than two minutes of your time. Should you want to continue answering questions, the survey may take up to five minutes of your time.

Take the Survey here

Learn more about our Civics Research Project

2. APPLY to permanently vote by mail for every Partisan Primary Election

Voters may now join a Vote By Mail Permanent Roster and have their ballots sent directly to their address ahead of every election, either for All Elections or Non-Primary Elections. NOTE: You may only apply for either Non-Partisan Ballots (Generals and Municipal Elections) or Partisan Primary Ballots (by Party only). We recommend registering for the Partisan Primary Vote by Mail ballot to receive during every even-year Primary Election cycle.

Voters may use this online application to join or remove themselves from the Permanent Roster, as well change their mailing address and ballot preferences (Party, Language).

3. Make a Plan to vote with Friends or Family

By making a plan to vote in the March 17, 2026 Primary Election and speaking to your friends and/or about democracy, you are more likely to get out and vote in the Primary Election.

Head to our Voter Resource Page to get up to date information about upcoming elections

Sign up to get updates from the 40th Ward Democrats

4. Join us for an upcoming event!

The best way to meet like-minded neighbors is by joining us for an upcoming event. We host both political and non-political events to bring neighbors together to live the Democratic values we represent.

Check out our upcoming calendar of events

Committeewoman Maggie O’Keefe is available for one-on-one coffees for interested neighbors interested in getting more involved in civics in the 40th Ward. Contact her at info@maggieokeefe.com to schedule a meeting!