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Illinois

Southern Illinois Early Voting Runs High Before Vote

Jackson County early turnout far exceeds normal levels as Illinois voters head to the polls on Tuesday, November 3.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a plain steel ballot box centered on a concrete plinth against a distant civic building and flat prairie horizon.
Early voting in Illinois has ended with more than 6,000 ballots cast in Jackson County, well above normal levels, ahead of Tuesday's election. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Early voting in Illinois has ended, with over 6,000 people casting early ballots in Jackson County, much higher than usual. Williamson County recorded nearly 4,500 early votes, close to typical pre-Election Day numbers.

Why it matters

Election Day in Illinois is Tuesday, November 3, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and voters must present a voter ID card. The statewide races include governor and several legislative and congressional contests that shape state and federal representation for Illinois residents.

Over 6,000 people submitted early ballots in Jackson County, a figure well above its normal early turnout, while nearly 4,500 voters had cast ballots in Williamson County, close to typical levels. Final turnout and the statewide early-vote total remain unknown until polls close on Election Day.

The players

Paul Jacobs

Illinois State Senator Paul Jacobs is being challenged by Tamiko 'TC' Mueller for the 59th District seat.

Mike Bost

Congressman Mike Bost, the incumbent representative for Illinois's 12th congressional district, faces challenger Julie Fortier in the race.

JB Pritzker

JB Pritzker, the current Illinois governor seeking reelection, is running against Republican Darrin Bailey.

The details

Early voting in Illinois has ended, and voters who have not yet cast a ballot will do so at polling places on Election Day. Voters are advised to call the Williamson County Clerk's office to confirm their registration and polling place before going to the polls.

Timeline

  1. Early voting period ended before publication.

  2. Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Election Day, polls open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.

Political Context

Early voting in Illinois has ended, and no prior-cycle benchmark is provided in the source material for direct comparison. The story is limited to the pre-Election Day counts reported by local officials.

Illinois voters who have not yet cast a ballot must go to their assigned polling place on Tuesday between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. and bring a voter ID card. Residents can call their county clerk's office to confirm their polling location before heading out.

The takeaway

Voters in Illinois should confirm their polling place and bring a voter ID card before Election Day on Tuesday, November 3. Calling the county clerk's office ahead of time can prevent confusion at the polls.

What happens next

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026, when polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

Further reading

Find more on the Elections coverage shaping Illinois's upcoming races.

More information

Read the full KFVS12 report on southern Illinois early voting turnout.

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