This is where I say what I think, mostly about national politics and the Constitution. Each piece gets an Opinion label at the top and a link to whatever I'm reacting to.
This guide links to official sources and lists key dates we've checked by hand. Last verified: September 25, 2026. Always confirm with elections.il.gov before you act. We are not an election authority.
Key dates
Last verified: September 25, 2026
Regular registration deadline
Tuesday, October 6, 2026Online registration stays open until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, 2026. After October 6 you can also register and vote in person at the same time (grace period registration) through Election Day, at locations your local election authority designates.
Thursday, September 24 to Monday, November 2, 2026Starts at your local election authority's office and any temporary sites it sets up. Additional permanent early voting sites open Monday, October 19, 2026, and are open on weekends. Each local election authority sets its own locations and hours.
Thursday, October 29, 2026Requests by mail or online must be received by your local election authority by this date. After that, you can still request a mail ballot in person at its office through Monday, November 2, 2026.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.Each local election authority also runs at least one Election Day vote center where any voter it serves can vote, regardless of precinct.
Tuesday, November 17, 2026Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and received within 14 days, by Tuesday, November 17, 2026. Ballots left in a drop box, where available, must be in before polls close on Election Day.
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Political Ad Ledger
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Political Ad Ledger
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