Crystal Lake, Cary Election Guide: March Primary 2026

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — McHenry County voters are heading to the polls on Tuesday for the primary election, where they’ll choose party nominees for local, state, and federal offices. Residents will also weigh in on key referenda, including a Hebron Township road bond and a statewide scholarship tax question.

• Referenda To Appear On McHenry County Voters' Ballots: What You Need To Know

Here’s everything McHenry County residents need to know to prepare before you head to the polls.

Key Dates, How to Vote

• The primary election is Tuesday, March 17: This is when voters choose party nominees for the November general election.
• Polls are open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.
• Early voting began in February 5 at the McHenry County Election Center in Woodstock and will continue through March 16.More information on early voting locations can be found here.
• Vote by mail applications were due to the county clerk by March 12. More information can be found on the county clerk's website.
• Same-day and grace period voter registration is available during early voting and on Election Day with appropriate ID or proof of residency. To register in person, you'll need to bring two forms of ID or proof of residency, including a passport, driver's license, lease or mortgage. At least one form of ID must list your current address.

Ballot Details

• Local ballot items include county board districts and precinct committeeperson races, plus referendums such as a non-binding question on a state scholarship tax credit and a Hebron Township road bond measure.
• Sample ballots and your polling place information are available on the McHenry County Clerk's Office website.
• Illinois voters will also see statewide primaries for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Governor, Congressional District 9 and Senate District 33.

Races to Watch

U.S. Senate

A crowded field of Democrats looks to replace longtime Sen. Dick Durbin, the House Minority Whip, who is not seeking reelection after over 40 years in Washington.

"I truly love the job of being a United States Senator," said 81-year-old Durbin, who is the longest-serving senator ever elected to the body from Illinois. "But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch." And there are plenty of candidates vying to step up and take it.

The Democratic primary ballot includes Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who is backed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, as well as U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly of Lynwood and Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg.

Other candidates are Awisi Bustos, daughter-in-law of former U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, as well as Steve Botsford Jr., Sean Brown, Jonathan Dean, Bryan Maxwell, Kevin Ryan and Christopher Swann, as well as write-in Adam Delgado.

On the Republican side are former Illinois Republican Party chairman Don Tracy, attorney Jeannie Evans and Polish-born entrepreneur Casey Chlebek, as well as R. Cary Capparelli, Pamela Denise Long and Jimmy Lee Tillman II.

Governor

Incumbent Gov. J.B. Pritzker is seeking a third term and is unopposed in the Democratic primary. With Stratton vying for the U.S. Senate seat, this time Pritzker's ticket includes former deputy governor and state Rep. Christian Mitchell as his running mate.

Four candidates are vying for the Republican nomination, including former state Sen. Darren Bailey, who ran unsuccessfully against Pritzker in 2022.

Bailey, with running mate Aaron B. Del Mar, remained in the race after tragedy struck when his son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren were killed in a Montana helicopter crash in October.

Bailey's Republican primary opponents include Wirepoints president Ted Dabrowski, as well as DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick and Gold Rush Gaming owner Rick Heidner.

Secretary of State

Incumbent Democrat Alexi Giannoulias is unopposed in his primary.

Two candidates are facing off in the Republican primary: Republican committeeman Walter Adamczyk and Diane Harris, a Joliet small business owner and former teacher.

Comptroller

Four Democrats are vying to replace Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, who announced in July that she would not seek a fourth term.

They include Illinois State Sen. Karina Villa, State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, Mendoza-backed Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim and Pritzker-backed State Rep. Margaret Croke.

Southern Illinois attorney Bryan Drew is running unopposed in the Republican primary.

Other statewide primary races are a foregone conclusion. In the Illinois Attorney General's race, Democratic incumbent Kwame Raoul and Republican Robert W. Fioretti are unopposed in their primaries. In the treasurer's race, Democrat Michael Frerichs is unopposed in his primary, and there are no Republican primary candidates on the ballot.

Illinois Senate District 33

Republican primary

• Jessica Breugelmans (Geneva)
• Danielle Penman (St. Charles)

The two Republicans are competing for the nomination for the seat being vacated by longtime Republican Sen. Don DeWitte.

Tips for Voters

• Check your registration status online before Election Day. You can do so here.
• Bring ID if you’re registering or updating your registration on Election Day.
• Review sample ballots ahead of time to understand local issues and candidates. And check back to Patch.com — and sign up for our free newsletters — as we will be updating with more election news in the coming weeks.