Election Reminder

The Illinois Primary Election will take place on Tuesday, March 17, and Maine Township encourages all eligible residents to participate in this important civic process. Voting in primary elections helps determine which candidates will appear on the ballot in the November general election, making your participation an important step in shaping the future of our community, state, and country.

Whether you choose to vote early, vote by mail, or vote in person on Election Day, there are several convenient options available for residents of Maine Township and suburban Cook County.

Ways to Vote in the March 17 Primary

1. Early Voting

Early voting allows residents to vote before Election Day at designated voting sites across Cook County. Early voting is convenient and typically involves shorter wait times.

Early Voting Period (Suburban Cook County):

  • March 2 – March 16
  • Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

You may vote at any suburban Cook county voting site, regardless of your precinct. Examples of commonly used early voting locations serving Maine Township residents include:

  • Park Ridge City Hall
    505 Butler Place
    Park Ridge, IL 60068

  • Des Plaines Public Library
    1501 Ellinwood Street
    Des Plaines, IL 60016

  • Glenview Village Hall
    2500 East Lake Avenue
    Glenview, IL 60026

Residents can view the full list of early voting sites here:

https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/ways-to-vote/early-voting/early-voting-locations

2. Vote By Mail

Voting by mail is available to all registered voters.

Important deadlines:

  • Last day to apply for a Vote-By-Mail ballot: March 12
  • Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day (March 17) to be counted.
  • Residents may apply for a mail ballot through the Cook County Clerk’s Office:

Apply for Vote-By-Mail

https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/ways-to-vote/vote-by-mail

Voters may also return their completed mail ballot:

  • By mail
  • At an official ballot drop box
  • At certain early voting locations

3. Vote on Election Day

If you prefer to vote in person on Election Day, polls will be open:

Tuesday, March 17
6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

If you are in line by 7:00 PM, you will still be allowed to vote. Residents must vote at their assigned precinct polling place on Election Day.

Find Your Polling Place

Polling locations vary by address. Residents can find their exact polling place by using the Cook County Clerk’s voter lookup tool:

Find Your Polling Place:

https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/polling-places

The tool will allow you to:

  • Confirm your voter registration
  • View your assigned polling location
  • See a sample ballot
  • Review voting hours and accessibility information

What’s on the Ballot?

In the Illinois primary election, voters select candidates from a political party who will advance to the general election in November. Offices on the ballot may include:

  • S. Senate
  • S. House of Representatives
  • Illinois Governor and statewide offices
  • Illinois General Assembly
  • Cook County offices
  • Metropolitan Water Reclamation District positions

When voting in a primary election, voters will select a party ballot (Democratic or Republican) to determine that party’s nominees for the general election.

Why Your Vote Matters

Local elections often have lower turnout than general elections, but they play a crucial role in determining the candidates who will represent our communities. Voting ensures that your voice is heard and that our local, county, and state governments reflect the priorities of Maine Township residents. Civic participation is one of the most important ways residents can strengthen their community and help shape public policy.

Quick Election Checklist

  • Confirm your voter registration
  • Review your sample ballot
  • Decide how you want to vote (early, by mail, or Election Day)
  • Encourage friends and neighbors to vote

For more information about voting in suburban Cook County: