ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — From the governor's race to a proposed $295 million school bond issue, Arlington Heights voters will have plenty to consider in the Nov. 3 general election.
The ballot includes races for U.S. Senate, Congress, the Illinois General Assembly and Cook County offices, along with judicial contests and a countywide advisory referendum.
Early voting is underway at select Cook County locations, with additional sites — including Arlington Heights Village Hall — scheduled to open Oct. 19.
RELATED: Illinois 2026 Voter Guide — Pritzker Vs. Bailey Rematch, Other Hot Races To Watch
Here's what Arlington Heights voters should know before heading to the polls.
The 2026 general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Suburban Cook County voters can vote at their assigned precinct polling place or a designated Election Day vote center. Residents should check the Cook County Clerk's voter information tool for their polling place and sample ballot.
The regular registration deadline has passed, but online voter registration continues through Sunday, Oct. 18.
Grace-period registration continues through Election Day. Residents must provide two forms of identification, including one showing their current address, and vote when they register.
Residents can check their registration through the Illinois State Board of Elections' voter lookup.
Early voting began Oct. 7 at select Cook County locations. Additional sites will open Monday, Oct. 19.
Arlington Heights Village Hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Road, will offer early voting through Monday, Nov. 2, on the following schedule:
Village Hall will not serve as an Election Day polling place, according to the Village.
Suburban Cook County residents can use any suburban Cook County early-voting location. Check the clerk's early-voting website for locations and hours.
Illinois voters do not need an excuse to vote by mail. The deadline for election officials to receive mail-ballot applications is Thursday, Oct. 29.
Completed ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received within 14 days after Election Day. Voters can also return ballots through designated drop boxes. Residents should allow enough time for delivery if using the mail.
Applications and return instructions are available through the Cook County Clerk's vote-by-mail website.
Arlington Heights voters will see the following statewide contests:
Congressional, legislative and county board districts divide communities, so residents should use their voting address to determine which races appear on their ballot.
Congressional districts serving portions of the Arlington Heights area include:
3rd Congressional District
Voters will select a representative in their own district.
27th Senate District
53rd House District
54th House District
Residents should confirm their legislative district through their personalized sample ballot.
Countywide contests include:
County board races serving the Arlington Heights area include:
9th County Board District
14th County Board District
Board of Review contests also depend on a voter's district. Check the sample ballot for the applicable race.
Voters can select up to three candidates for six-year terms on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District board:
Democrat Cameron "Cam" Davis is running unopposed for a separate two-year unexpired term, according to WTTW.
The ballot also includes judicial elections and retention questions asking whether sitting judges should remain in office. Subcircuit races vary by address.
Residents can review their sample ballot and consult judicial evaluations before voting.
Voters living in Township High School District 214 will decide whether to authorize $295 million in bonds for school improvements.
The district says the proposed work includes building repairs, safety upgrades, accessibility improvements and renovations to instructional spaces across its seven campuses.
A yes vote would authorize the borrowing. A no vote would reject it. The question applies to voters within District 214's boundaries.
Additional information is available on District 214's website.
Cook County voters will also consider a nonbinding question asking whether Illinois should establish an additional 3 percent income tax on income exceeding $1 million.
The proposal calls for half of the additional revenue to support property tax relief and half to support public education. The referendum is advisory; approval would not enact the tax.
Use the Cook County Clerk's voter information tool to confirm your districts, polling place and complete sample ballot, including any additional questions specific to your address.
For full coverage of the 2026 election in Illinois, go here.
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