PDC 30's Online Primary Election Resources
PDC 30 developed this online Primary Election resource website to highlight key issues for labor voters, including important state and local elections, and to consider key issues that are heavily supported by Illinois unions and the construction trades.
Browse the tabs below for information about the 2026 Illinois Primary Election on March 17th, including important dates, assistance with making a plan to vote, ways to get involved, and PDC 30's endorsed candidates.
Volunteer Opportunities
Join our political action team to help support the labor-friendly candidates running in the Illinois Primary Election on March 17th.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Saturday, February 28 | 11:00am to 3:00pm
Lynn LaPlante for State Representative Walk
Meet at Tous Les Jours, 2820 S. Highland Ave, Unit B1, Lombard
RSVP: Steve Ettinger (settinger@pdc30.com or 217.494.4085)
Stipend: $20/hour
Saturday, March 7 | 8:30am to 11:00am
Stephanie Kifowit for Illinois Comptroller Walk
Meet at the PDC 30 Headquarters, 1905 Sequoia Drive, Aurora
RSVP: https://pdc30.redpodium.com/labor-26
Questions: Steve Ettinger (settinger@pdc30.com or 217.494.4085)
Stipend: $20/hour
Additional events will be scheduled throughout our jurisdiction. Please contact Steve Ettinger at settinger@pdc30.com or 217.494.4085 to RSVP or for information about other events in our area. All volunteers will receive a $20 stipend for each service hour. Food and beverages will also be provided.
PDC 30 Ballot Guide
Click on the link below to view a printer-friendly ballot guide, featuring PDC 30's preferred candidates. Bring the document with you to the polls and use it to cast votes for labor-friendly candidates up and down the ticket!
How we Identify Preferred Candidates
PDC 30's list of preferred candidates is based on a thoughtful and consistent review process. We meet directly with candidates to learn about their priorities, review how they’ve voted on issues affecting working people, and evaluate their responses to our surveys on jobs, wages, and worker protections. Taken together, this helps us identify candidates who most closely align with our values as a union and who we believe are best positioned to deliver strong outcomes for our members.
Why Some Races Don’t List a Preferred Candidate
In some races, you may notice that we have not identified a preferred candidate. This can happen for one of two reasons: a) more than one candidate in the race aligns with our values, or b) the candidates in that race did not meet our standards for support. In those cases, we encourage members to learn more about the candidates and make the choice that’s right for them.
How the Primary Ballot Works
In the primary election, voters choose either a Republican, Democratic, or nonpartisan ballot. The candidates you see on your ballot will depend on which ballot you select, so some of the candidates listed here may not appear on your ballot. You can use the links provided on this website to look up your district numbers and confirm which races and candidates will appear on your ballot before you vote.
Note: This list is intended to be a resource for PDC 30 members and their family members.
Election Dates & Important Links
Early Voting
Early voting begins at County Clerk Offices: February 5
Early voting begins at all permanent polling places: March 2
Last day for early voting: March 16
Vote By Mail
Vote by mail begins (ballots mailed to VBM applicants): February 5
Last day to request a vote by mail ballot: March 12
Last day to postmark/return completed vote by mail ballots by mail: March 17
Voter Registration
In-person voter registration ends: February 17
Online voter registration ends: March 1
Grace period registration and voting: March 2 - March 17
Important Links
Find your voting District based on your address
Check your voter registration status
Find early voting locations in your county
Find Grace Period Registration/Voting locations in your county
Find your designated polling place (for Election Day)
Illinois Primary Election Day: March 17
Ways to Vote in the 2026 IL Primary Election
There are four ways to vote in the 2026 Illinois Primary Election:
1. VOTE BY MAIL
Registered voters may request a vote-by-mail ballot by completing the form specific to your county (in person, by mail, or online). Ballot requests must be made by March 12th (earlier is better). Once you receive the ballot, it must be postmarked and returned no later than Marh 17th (earlier is better). Request a Vote-by-Mail Ballot from your election authority here.
2. VOTE EARLY
Registered voters can vote early in person at County Clerk offices beginning February 5th and at other designated locations throughout each county beginning March 2nd. Early voting ends March 16th. Find early voting locations, dates, and times in your jursidiction here.
3. GRACE PERIOD REGISTRATION & VOTING
You can register to vote AND submit your vote from February 18th – March 16th at your County Clerk's office and from March 2nd – March 16th at other designated locations through the Grace Period Registration program. Two forms of identification with at least one showing your current address are required. Find grace period registration and voting locations in your jurisdiction here.
4. VOTE IN PERSON ON MARCH 17TH
Polls are open from 6am - 7pm on Election Day (March 17th). Each voter must vote at their designated polling place. Find your designated polling place here.
Important note: Online voter registration ends March 1st. Register to vote here. Or, check your voter registration status and/or find your District information here.