Why Your Vote Matters

Congressional District 7 in Illinois has elected a Democrat to serve as member to the United States House of Representatives since 1947.Source: American Politics - Illinois's 7th Congressional District In the general elections for state representative, 80% or more of the votes has been for the Democratic candidate. "Thus, in these uncompetitive general elections, the winner (is) effectively chosen in the dominant party's primary—meaning that the vast majority of U.S. House elections will have been all but decided before a single vote is cast in November. …When general elections are uncompetitive the locus of competition shifts to the primaries, which tend to have lower turnout and be less representative of the population at large."Source: Unite America - Why Are Most Congressional Elections Uncompetitive

Congressional District 7 is a diverse community.Source: Data USA - Congressional District 7, IL The 5 largest ethnic groups in Congressional District 7, IL are Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (41.3%), White (Non-Hispanic) (30.5%), Asian (Non-Hispanic) (8.5%), Other (Hispanic) (6.81%), and Two Races Including Other (Hispanic) (4.46%).Source: Census Reporter - Congressional District 7, IL Demographics

Local elections determine who represents you on issues that directly affect your community. By voting in Congressional District 7, you have a voice in choosing leaders who will:

• Support the safety and security of our community
• Combat antisemitism
• Advocate for our values and interests
• Work for all residents of Congressional District 7

We encourage all community members to register and to vote. Your participation is essential to democracy and to ensuring that our voices are heard.

Register to Vote

Before you can vote, you need to be registered. Here's how:

Illinois Voter Registration

You can register to vote in Illinois online or by mail. Registration deadlines vary by election.

• Illinois State Board of Elections - Official state election website
• Online Voter Registration - Register online

Registration Requirements

To register to vote in Illinois, you must be:

• A U.S. citizen
• At least 17 years old (or 18 by Election Day)
• A resident of the county where you wish to vote

What to Bring

When you go to vote, you may be asked to provide identification. Illinois accepts many forms of ID, including:

• Driver's license
• State ID card
• U.S. passport
• Military ID
• Student ID (in some cases)

Voting Methods

Early Voting

You can vote in person before Election Day at your local election authority's office. This is available during specified hours leading up to the election.

Mail-in / Absentee Voting

You can request a mail-in ballot if you:

• Will be out of town on Election Day
• Are ill or disabled
• Are confined to a nursing home or hospital
• Have a religious objection to voting on Election Day
• Are a military or overseas voter

Contact your local election authority to request a mail-in ballot.

Election Day Voting

You can vote in person at your assigned polling place on Election Day between 6 AM and 7 PM. Polling locations

Important Dates

Illinois General Primary Election: March 17, 2026Source: League of Women Voters of Illinois - Election Calendar

• 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 grace period for in-person voter 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 is still available at election authority and early voting sites.
• March 12, 2026: Last day for election authority to receive vote by mail applications.
• March 17, 2026: Primary Election Day! Polls are open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.