Illinois Officials Opened Early Voting for General Election
Residents across Illinois have begun casting ballots for the November general election.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Do you plan to vote early in this year's general election?
Early voting is officially underway throughout Illinois, providing residents the opportunity to cast ballots ahead of Election Day. The election features a wide range of contests for statewide, congressional, and legislative offices.
Why it matters
Early voting options allow citizens to participate in the democratic process at their convenience. These measures are designed to increase voter accessibility and shorten wait times on the final day of the election.
Early voting at the Fayette County Courthouse runs Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. Additional Saturday voting hours are available on October 31 from 8 am to 12 pm.
The players
J.B. Pritzker
He is a candidate for Governor of Illinois.
Darren Bailey
He is a candidate for Governor of Illinois.
Collin Corbett
He is a candidate for Governor of Illinois.
Mary Miller
She is a candidate for the 15th Congressional District seat.
Blaine Wilhour
He is an unopposed candidate for the 110th State Representative district.
The details
Voters in Fayette County can head to the county courthouse in Vandalia to cast their ballots for numerous races. Candidates for Governor include J.B. Pritzker, Darren Bailey, and Collin Corbett, while other ballots feature races for U.S. Senate, Attorney General, and the 15th Congressional District.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: Early voting begins in Illinois.
October 12, 2026: Fayette County Courthouse closed for Columbus Day.
October 31, 2026: Saturday voting hours from 8 am to 12 pm.
November 2, 2026: Final day of early voting.
November 3, 2026: Election Day.
Political Context
This early voting cycle follows the regulatory framework established by the Illinois Election Code's early voting provisions. Opponents of expanded early voting periods often cite concerns regarding election security and the costs of maintaining staffing for extended voting windows.
Residents in Fayette County can avoid potential Election Day congestion by utilizing the courthouse voting site during weekday hours. Voters should note that the courthouse will be closed for the Columbus Day holiday on October 12, 2026.
The takeaway
Early voting is a primary tool for Illinois residents to ensure their participation in state and local governance. Checking local polling hours and schedules helps voters manage their time effectively before the final deadline on November 3.
What happens next
The Fayette County Courthouse will be closed for the Columbus Day holiday on October 12, 2026. Final early voting hours occur on November 2, 2026, leading into Election Day on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on candidate races and local polling procedures, visit Illinois Elections.
Live Poll
Do you plan to vote early in this year's general election?
