Arlington Heights Election Guide 2026: Candidates, Early Voting Locations, Key Dates

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — From the governor's race to a proposed $295 million school bond issue, Arlington Heights voters will have plenty to consider in the Nov. 3 general election.

The ballot includes races for U.S. Senate, Congress, the Illinois General Assembly and Cook County offices, along with judicial contests and a countywide advisory referendum.

Early voting is underway at select Cook County locations, with additional sites — including Arlington Heights Village Hall — scheduled to open Oct. 19.

RELATED: Illinois 2026 Voter Guide — Pritzker Vs. Bailey Rematch, Other Hot Races To Watch

Here's what Arlington Heights voters should know before heading to the polls.

When Is Election Day?

The 2026 general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Suburban Cook County voters can vote at their assigned precinct polling place or a designated Election Day vote center. Residents should check the Cook County Clerk’s voter information tool for their polling place and sample ballot.

Can I Still Register To Vote?

The regular registration deadline has passed, but online voter registration continues through Sunday, Oct. 18.

Grace-period registration continues through Election Day. Residents must provide two forms of identification, including one showing their current address, and vote when they register.

Residents can check their registration through the Illinois State Board of Elections’ voter lookup.

When Does Early Voting Begin?

Early voting began Oct. 7 at select Cook County locations. Additional sites will open Monday, Oct. 19.

Arlington Heights Village Hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Road, will offer early voting through Monday, Nov. 2, on the following schedule:

• Oct. 19–24: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Oct. 25: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Oct. 26–30: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Oct. 31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Nov. 1: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Nov. 2: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Village Hall will not serve as an Election Day polling place, according to the Village.

Suburban Cook County residents can use any suburban Cook County early-voting location. Check the clerk’s early-voting website for locations and hours.

Can I Vote By Mail?

Illinois voters do not need an excuse to vote by mail. The deadline for election officials to receive mail-ballot applications is Thursday, Oct. 29.

Completed ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received within 14 days after Election Day. Voters can also return ballots through designated drop boxes. Residents should allow enough time for delivery if using the mail.

Applications and return instructions are available through the Cook County Clerk’s vote-by-mail website.

What Is On My Ballot?

Arlington Heights voters will see the following statewide contests:

• U.S. Senate: Democrat Juliana Stratton, Republican Don Tracy and American Center Party candidate Whitfield Harrington Jr.
• Governor and lieutenant governor: Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker and running mate Christian Mitchell; Republican Darren Bailey and running mate Aaron B. Del Mar; independent Collin Corbett and running mate Carolyn Schofield.
• Attorney general: Democratic incumbent Kwame Raoul and Republican Robert W. Fioretti.
• Secretary of state: Democratic incumbent Alexi Giannoulias and Republican Diane M. Harris.
• Comptroller: Democrat Margaret Croke and Republican Bryan Drew.
• Treasurer: Democratic incumbent Michael Frerichs and Republican Max Solomon.

Congressional, legislative and county board districts divide communities, so residents should use their voting address to determine which races appear on their ballot.

U.S. House Of Representatives

Congressional districts serving portions of the Arlington Heights area include:

3rd Congressional District

• Delia Ramirez, Democrat, incumbent
• Angel Oakley, Republican

5th Congressional District

• Mike Quigley, Democrat, incumbent
• Tommy Hanson, Republican

8th Congressional District

• Melissa Bean, Democrat
• Jennifer Davis, Republican

9th Congressional District

• Daniel Biss, Democrat
• John Elleson, Republican

Voters will select a representative in their own district.

Illinois Senate

27th Senate District

• Carina Santa Maria, Democrat
• David Mathis, Republican

Illinois House Of Representatives

53rd House District

• Nicolle Grasse, Democrat, incumbent
• Elizabeth Bauer, Republican

54th House District

• Mary Beth Canty, Democrat, incumbent
• Joseph M. Tracy, Republican

Residents should confirm their legislative district through their personalized sample ballot.

Cook County Races

Countywide contests include:

• County Board president: Democratic incumbent Toni Preckwinkle and Libertarian Michael Murphy.
• Assessor: Democrat Pat Hynes and Libertarian Nico Tsatsoulis.
• Clerk: Democratic incumbent Monica Gordon, running unopposed.
• Sheriff: Democratic incumbent Thomas J. Dart and Libertarian Brad Sandefur.
• Treasurer: Democratic incumbent Maria Pappas, running unopposed.

County board races serving the Arlington Heights area include:

9th County Board District

• Maggie Trevor, Democrat, incumbent
• Jon Luers, Republican

14th County Board District

• Scott R. Britton, Democrat, incumbent, running unopposed

Board of Review contests also depend on a voter's district. Check the sample ballot for the applicable race.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District

Voters can select up to three candidates for six-year terms on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District board:

• Precious Brady-Davis, Democrat
• Eira Lizeth Corral Sepúlveda, Democrat
• Beth McElroy Kirkwood, Democrat
• Michelle Pennington, Republican
• Timothy E. Rueckert, Republican
• Jill B. Shestokas, Republican

Democrat Cameron "Cam" Davis is running unopposed for a separate two-year unexpired term, according to WTTW.

Judicial Contests And Retention Questions

The ballot also includes judicial elections and retention questions asking whether sitting judges should remain in office. Subcircuit races vary by address.

Residents can review their sample ballot and consult judicial evaluations before voting.

District 214 School Bond Referendum

Voters living in Township High School District 214 will decide whether to authorize $295 million in bonds for school improvements.

The district says the proposed work includes building repairs, safety upgrades, accessibility improvements and renovations to instructional spaces across its seven campuses.

A yes vote would authorize the borrowing. A no vote would reject it. The question applies to voters within District 214's boundaries.

Additional information is available on District 214’s website.

Cook County Advisory Referendum

Cook County voters will also consider a nonbinding question asking whether Illinois should establish an additional 3 percent income tax on income exceeding $1 million.

The proposal calls for half of the additional revenue to support property tax relief and half to support public education. The referendum is advisory; approval would not enact the tax.

How Can I See My Complete Ballot?

Use the Cook County Clerk’s voter information tool to confirm your districts, polling place and complete sample ballot, including any additional questions specific to your address.

For full coverage of the 2026 election in Illinois, go here.