IPM News Voter Guide: Who is on the ballot for Illinois’ March 17 primary?

IPM News Election 2026
Several local and statewide races are on the March 17 ballot for voters in Central Illinois.

From Champaign County Executive to U.S. Senate and House seats, several local and statewide races are on the ballot in Illinois’ March 17 primary election.

Early voting is now underway. The primary falls during spring break for many students in K-12 schools and at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 

Illinois Public Media has been covering those races to give voters accurate information and context before heading to the polls. Here is what you need to know.

 

How much time do you have to vote in the March 17 primary election?

  

Enter your address in the form below to get a sample ballot and access to candidate information from the League of Women Voters. 


 

Early Voting Information

Early voting is currently available at the Bennet Administrative Center in Urbana.

During the week of March 9, the below early voting locations will open. Check the Champaign County Clerk’s website for hours and other details.

  • Bennett Administrative Center, Urbana, IL
  • University of Illinois Illini Union, Urbana, IL
  • Champaign Public Library, Champaign, IL
  • Church of the Living God, Champaign, IL
  • Lake of the Woods, Mahomet, IL
  • Leonhard Recreation Center, Champaign, IL
  • Meadowbrook Church, Champaign, IL
  • Parkland College Building E, Champaign, IL
  • Prince of Peace, St. Joseph, IL
  • Rantoul Youth Center, Rantoul, IL
  • Savoy Recreation Center, Savoy, IL
  • Tolono Public Library, Tolono, IL

Champaign County Executive

Two Democrats are running for Champaign County Executive, and there are no Republicans. Whoever voters elect in the primary will be poised to become the next County Executive.

The executive oversees day-to-day operations for the County administration.

IL-13 Congressional District

Incumbent Democrat Nikki Budzinski is seeking reelection. Dylan Blaha is a veteran who is challenging Budzinski for the Democratic Party’s nomination. Champaign County Board Member Jeff Wilson and previous IL-13 candidate Joshua Lloyd are both running for the Republican nomination.

IL-02 Congressional District

Incumbent Democrat Robin Kelly is vacating her seat to run for U.S. Senate. A crowded field of Democratic contenders is vying to succeed her, including former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. and State Senator Robert Peters. 

U.S. Senate Candidates

10 Democrats and six Republicans are running to succeed retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.

The three leading candidates on the Democratic side include Rep. Robin Kelly, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. 

Additional Resources

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