Something to look forward to (Photo courtesy sleepyneko/Flickr)
This March voters will gather to narrow the playing field of candidates in preparation for the November 2012 general election, which includes the much-anticipated presidential election. For answers to all of your March primary questions, check out our voters’ guide.
When are the general primary elections?
Tuesday, March 20th, 2012
What offices are on the ballot for this election?
The March 20th primary elections narrow the field of party candidates for the general election in November 2012 for the following elected offices:
- President of the United States
- U.S. Congressional Representatives
- Delegates to the Republican and Democratic National Conventions
- All State Senators and State Representatives
- Judicial seats at the Supreme, Appellate, Cook Circuit/Subcircuit and Downstate Circuit/Subcircuit levels
For a full listing of candidates, click here.
Am I registered to vote?
Click here to find out if you are registered to vote. Just enter your name and zip code. If you are registered, this link will also show you your polling place.
If I’m not registered, is it too late to register to vote?
February 21st, 2012 is the last day you can register to vote. To register to vote you must be:
- 18 years old on or before March 20th
- a U.S. citizen
- a resident of Illinois
To get a copy of the form you’ll need to fill out and for other registration information, click here (PDF)
Where is my polling place?
For voting locations, enter your name and zip code here
What time are the polls open?
The polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, 2012.
Can I vote early?
You can vote early and avoid election-day-rush at designated voting locations starting Monday, February 27, 2012 through Thursday, March 15th, 2012.
Where do I vote early?
- If you live in Chicago, click here to find early voting locations
- For all other areas, click here to find early voting locations in your home jurisdiction*
Do I need to bring an ID with me when I go to vote?
If you are voting early, you must present a government-issued photo ID (IL driver’s license, passport, etc.) at the time you cast your vote.
Who should I vote for?
The BGA is a nonpartisan organization and does not endorse any candidates. See below for a list of candidate guides from around the state:
- For election info in Cook and portions of the surrounding counties, check out the Chicago Tribune Editorial board questionnaires & endorsements
- For DeWitt, Ford, LaSalle, Livingston, Logan, Tazewell and Woodford counties, you can find a list of nominating petitions filed for the March election here
- All other counties, visit you county website or contact your local election authority here
How does redistricting impact my vote and the voting process?
Redistricting does not impact the number of election seats you’ll need to vote for, but it could impact the candidates you have the option to vote for this time around. To see how redistricting may have changed the district you are eligible to vote in, take a look at this interactive redistricted boundaries map
What happens after this primary election?
Candidates who receive the most votes within their political party during this primary election will go on to continue campaigning until the November 2012 general election.
BGA Think Tank 