CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — With the March 17, primary election approaching, local organizations and election officials are urging residents of Champaign County to prepare now by understanding what’s on the ballot, how to register and the many ways they can cast their vote. Primary participation plays a critical role in determining which candidates advance to the Nov. 3 general election and who will make decisions about local services, laws and public spending.

Hear the entire interview here: FOCUS – Prepare for the Primary with League of Women Voters by Illini Media Group

“Every election is determined by the people who show up,” political scientist Larry J. Sabato has written — a reminder that this election shapes not only who represents voters at the federal, state and local levels but also how priorities are funded and laws enacted.

Officials say all registered voters can participate in the primary; voters must choose either a Democratic or Republican ballot but do not need to be members of either party to vote.

What’s on the ballot

Voters will cast ballots for federal, state and local offices, each with significant responsibilities:

• Federal: U.S. Senator and U.S. House of Representatives seats determine who writes and passes federal law and approves presidential appointments and treaties.

• State: Illinois governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer and comptroller oversee execution of laws, manage public funds and maintain records.

• State Legislature: Members of the Illinois House and Senate create and pass state laws and budgets.

• County: Champaign County executive, county clerk & recorder, sheriff, treasurer and county board members oversee local government functions like elections, public safety, budgeting and zoning.

• Regional Superintendent of Schools and Judicial races also appear on ballots.

Sample ballots specific to each voter’s address will be available through the Champaign County Clerk’s My Voter Record portal.

Four ways to vote in the March 17 primary

1. Early voting (Feb. 5–March 16, 2026)

• Vote early at the Bennett Administrative Center, 102 E. Main St., Urbana, beginning Feb. 5.

• Starting March 9, early voting expands to campus and countywide locations.

2. Vote by mail (now–March 17, 2026)

• Request a mail ballot by March 12; ballots begin being mailed Feb. 5.

• Return completed ballots by mail postmarked on or before March 17, or deposit them in a secure county drop box by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

3. Election Day voting (March 17, 2026)

• Polls are open 6 a.m.–7 p.m.

• Any registered voter can vote at any open polling or campus voting location.

4. Curbside voting

• Available for voters who cannot physically enter an ADA-accessible polling place; documentation is required.

Registration and deadlines

• Paper or mail registration: through Feb. 17.

• Online registration: through March 1.

• Grace period registration & voting: Feb. 18–March 17 at select locations.

Residents needing to verify their registration status, confirm their districts or check their sample ballot can do so on the Champaign County Clerk’s voter information site.

For additional nonpartisan information on voting options, offices on the ballot and candidate responses, visit the League of Women Voters of Champaign County’s election page.

Election officials and civic groups emphasize that by planning now — whether voting early, by mail or on Election Day — residents ensure their voices are heard in shaping the leadership and policies that affect life in Champaign County and beyond.