when do polls close in illinois

Polls in Illinois are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time on Election Day, including the 2026 primary on March 17.

Since you asked “when do polls close in Illinois,” here’s the quick scoop in a slightly more detailed, reader‑friendly format.

When do polls close in Illinois?

• Polls close at 7:00 p.m. local time statewide.

• Polls open at 6:00 a.m. , so you have a 13‑hour in‑person voting window on Election Day.

• These hours apply to both primary and general elections , unless state law changes in the future.

If you are in line by 7:00 p.m., you are generally allowed to vote even if you cast your ballot after 7:00 p.m. (standard election practice; always follow local officials’ instructions).

Extra timing notes

• Early voting is available in Illinois and hours can differ by county and specific location, so you should check your local election authority or the state elections site for exact times.

• For the March 17, 2026 primary , major outlets and county election pages reiterate the same 6 a.m.–7 p.m. in‑person schedule.

Forum / “latest news” flavor

Recent 2026 voter guides and local news pieces about the Illinois primary keep highlighting one thing over and over: don’t assume special extended hours unless officials announce them; plan around 7:00 p.m. closing time and arrive earlier if you can.

If you tell me your Illinois county or city, I can suggest where to double‑check your specific polling place and any last‑minute updates. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.