The general primary election in Lake County is scheduled for March 17, 2026. The information provided comes from the Lake County Clerk.
Residents who wish to register to vote at City Hall have until February 18, while online registration through the State Board of Elections website (ova.elections.il.gov) is open until March 1. After these dates, grace period registration will be available at all early voting sites and on Election Day. Voters can check their registration status at LakeVoterPower.info or find more details about voter registration at lakecountyil.gov/361/Voter-Registration.
For those preferring to vote by mail, ballot applications must be received by noon on March 12, 2026. Applications can be submitted online, requested by calling the Lake County Clerk at 377.2406, downloaded and returned either in person or by mail, or requested via email at votingbymail@lakecountyil.gov.
A change in United States Postal Service policy means that mail is now postmarked based on its processing date rather than when it is deposited. This could result in postmarks being several days after mailing. “Eligibility of a vote by mail ballot in Illinois determined by the postmark date on the return envelope,” according to the Lake County Clerk’s office. The office advises voters to send ballots as early as possible or use secure drop box locations throughout the county. If returning a ballot on Election Day, voters are encouraged to request a manual postmark at the USPS retail counter.
Early voting has begun at the Lake County Courthouse (18 N. County St., Waukegan), running from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. From March 2 to March 16, early voting will expand county-wide with multiple locations available; hours vary depending on location. The nearest site for some residents is Highwood Library & Community Center (102 Highwood Ave., Highwood), but any convenient site may be used. A complete list of early voting locations and hours can be found at lakecountyil.gov/163/Elections.
On Election Day, polling places will operate from 6 AM until 7 PM and are accessible for individuals with disabilities. Voters can locate their polling place using LakeVoterPower.info. Those physically unable to enter a polling place may request assistance by contacting the Lake County Clerk’s office at least one day before Election Day.
