NOTE: Polls in Illinois closed at 7 p.m. You can track live election results here.
The 2022 Illinois Primary Election has been underway for weeks through early voting and mail-in ballots, but the much awaited June 28 Primary Election Day is upon us.
Here's where we'll be keeping track of live updates from Election Day across the Chicago area, along with what you need to know about who's on your ballot, how and where to vote, how to register to vote and more.
10:45 p.m.: Thomas DeVore Earns Republican Nomination in Attorney General Race
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Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is expected to face Republican challenger Thomas DeVore in the November general election after Steve Kim conceded the primary race on Tuesday night.
Raoul, who was elected to the state’s top law enforcement position after former Attorney General Lisa Madigan opted not to seek reelection in 2018, ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.
DeVore has developed a reputation for taking on Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker in court, suing him over the state’s school mask mandate. He also filed suit against school districts that sought to mandate COVID vaccination among teachers.
Local
See the latest election results here.
10:35 p.m.: Alexi Giannoulias Wins Race for Democratic Secretary of State Nomination: AP
For the first time in nearly a quarter of a century, Illinois will elect a new secretary of state this fall, and former Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias has secured the Democratic party’s nomination in the race, fending off Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia in a hotly-contested battle, the Associated Press projects.
Giannoulias will now run in the November general election to replace Secretary of State Jesse White, who announced earlier this year that he would not seek a seventh term in office.
See the latest election results here.
9:30 p.m.: Watch Live as Gov. Pritzker Speaks Following Projected Primary Win
Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks after presumptive win as the Democratic nominee in the Illinois primary.
Watch live here.
9:15 p.m.: Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. Arrives at Jonathan Jackson Watch Party
9:10 p.m.: Dan Brady Wins Republican Secretary of State Race as Milhiser Concedes
Illinois State Rep. Dan Brady will secure the Republican nomination in the secretary of state race, with former U.S. Attorney John Milhiser conceding in the race Tuesday night.
Brady, who represents an area that includes Bloomington, will be the Republican nominee in the race to replace the retiring Secretary of State Jesse White, who has held the office since 1998.
The representative received endorsements from the Chicago Tribune and Daily Herald, as well as House Republican Leader Jim Durkin and U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood, Mike Bost and Rodney Davis, among others.
See the latest election results here.
8:50 p.m.: Watch Live: Darren Bailey Speaks From Effingham
Darren Bailey is speaking live from Effingham after it was announced he was projected to win the Republican nomination in the race for governor.
Watch live here.
8:50 p.m.: Sean Casten Wins Democratic Nomination in 6th Congressional District
In a battle between two sitting members of Congress, it was Rep. Sean Casten that triumphed in Tuesday’s primary election in the redrawn 6th Congressional district, defeating fellow incumbent Rep. Marie Newman, NBC News is projecting.
The two members of Congress were forced to go up against one another after the 2020 Census, with Illinois lawmakers drawing both Casten and Newman into the same district.
See the latest election results here.
8:45 p.m.: Jonathan Jackson Takes Early Lead in 1st congressional District Race
8:40 p.m.: Delia Ramírez Wins Democratic Nomination in Illinois' 3rd Congressional District
It was a battle of dueling endorsements and platforms in the newly-drawn 3rd Congressional district, but it was Delia Ramírez who secured the Democratic nomination for the seat, NBC News projects.
The 3rd district, which includes part of Chicago’s South Side as well as portions of suburban Cook and DuPage counties, was redrawn after the 2020 Census, leaving it without an incumbent in the race.
The current occupant of that seat, Rep. Marie Newman, instead was forced to run for the Democratic nomination in the 6th district against fellow incumbent Rep. Sean Casten.
See the latest election results here.
8:20 p.m.: Richard Irvin Speaks From Aurora
8:10 p.m.: State Sen. Darren Bailey Wins Republican Governor's Race in 2022 Illinois Primary Election: NBC News
In a six-way race to face Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker this November, it will be State Sen. Darren Bailey that will win the Republican nomination, NBC News projects.
Bailey, who was elected to the state senate from Xenia, received significant downstate support and a coveted endorsement from former President Donald Trump in the late stages of the primary cycle.
Bailey fended off a crowded field that included Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, who was an early favorite in the campaign after using $50 million in donations from Illinois billionaire Ken Griffin to purchase a slew of televised advertisements.
Read more here.
7:30 p.m.: Gov. J.B. Pritzker Wins Democratic Nomination
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker will get the opportunity to seek a second term in office, defeating Democratic challenger Beverly Miles in Tuesday’s primary, NBC News and the Associated Press project.
Pritzker, who defeated incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2018, is aiming for a second term as he touts his record on improving Illinois’ credit rating and his record during the COVID pandemic.
The governor faced a Democratic primary challenge from Miles, a nurse who grew up on Chicago’s West Side.
See the latest election results here.
7:28 p.m.: Delia Ramirez Campaign Sets Up for Election Night
7:15 p.m.: First Projections Are in for Illinois Primary
Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, who did not face an opponent in the Democratic primary, is projected to win the party’s nomination and will defend her seat in November, NBC News projects.
Duckworth will have to wait to find out who her Republican opponent will be, as six candidates were vying for the GOP spot in the election.
Several Congressional races featured candidates who were running unopposed, and all are projected to win their spots on the ballot in the November general election, including:
-Democratic Rep. Robin Kelly in Illinois’ 2nd district.
-Republican Justin Burau in Illinois’ 3rd district.
-Republican James Falakos in Illinois’ 4th district.
-Democratic Rep. Mike Quigley in Illinois’ 5th district.
-Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky in Illinois’ 9th district.
-Republican Maxwell Rice in Illinois’ 9th district.
-Democratic Rep. Brad Schneider in Illinois’ 10th district.
-Republican Joseph Severino in Illinois’ 10th district.
-Democratic Rep. Bill Foster in Illinois’ 11th district.
-Republican Rep. Mike Bost in Illinois’ 12th district.
-Democratic Rep. Lauren Underwood in Illinois’ 14th district.
-Democrat Paul Lange in Illinois’ 15th district.
See the latest results here.
7 p.m. Most Polls in Illinois Close
Polls close in Illinois at 7 p.m. but some results may be delayed as certain polling places experience extended hours due to earlier issues. Track results as they come in throughout the night here.
You'll find live election coverage airing on NBC 5's streaming channel on Peacock and on Roku from 8 p.m.-10 p.m. and at 10 p.m. on Channel 5, as well as on NBCChicago.com and the NBC Chicago app.
6 p.m.: Richard Irvin Campaign HQ Opens Doors
6 p.m. Voters Line Up in Chicago
4:30 p.m.: How to Get Live Coverage as Results Come In
Looking for live coverage of Illinois' primary election Tuesday?
As ballots are counted across the state, NBC 5 will offer a live look at results, analysis, speeches and an inside look at campaign events awaiting the final totals.
Beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, you can find up-to-the-minute vote totals on NBCChicago.com and on the NBC Chicago app. Once you download the app, make sure to turn on push notifications so you can be the first to know who's won some of the biggest races in the Chicago area and the state.
You'll also find live election coverage airing on NBC 5's streaming channel on Peacock and on Roku from 8 p.m.-10 p.m. and at 10 p.m. on Channel 5, as well as on NBCChicago.com and the NBC Chicago app.
3:20 p.m.: 6 Suburban Precincts Will Stay Open Late for Illinois Primary Election
Six suburban Cook County polling places will stay open for an extra hour after they opened late on Election Day, officials announced Tuesday.
The Cook County Clerk's office said the half-dozen locations will remain open until 8 p.m., though the remaining 1,424 suburban locations in the county will still close at 7 p.m.
The locations include:
- Kennedy School, 1013 Division St., Chicago Heights, Illinois (Bloom Township
Precinct 12) - Golf Middle School, 9401 Waukegan Rd. Morton Grove, Illinois (Niles
Township Precinct - Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, 1114 N. 22nd Ave., Melrose Park, Illinois
(Proviso Township, Precinct 14) - Roosevelt School, 1927 S. 15th Ave., Broadview, Illinois (Proviso Township,
Precinct 44) - Roosevelt School, 1927 S. 15th Ave., Broadview, Illinois (Proviso Township,
Precinct 86) - Douglas MacArthur School, 1800 Chippendale Rd., Hoffman Estates, Illinois
(Schaumburg Township Precinct 31)
The clerk's office noted that voting results will be delayed in the county due to the change.
3 p.m.: More Than 220K Ballots Counted in Chicago
In its latest update, the Chicago Board of Elections revealed that more than 220,000 ballots had been counted in the city as of 3 p.m.
The total for Election Day itself in the city was just over 91,000.
Turnout by the hour:
- 4,068 voted at 6:00am
- 7,921 voted at 7:00am
- 9,377 voted at 8:00am
- 10,139 voted at 9:00am
- 11,376 voted at 10:00am
- 12,372 voted at 11:00am
- 11,789 voted at 12:00 Noon
- 11,505 voted at 1:00pm
- 12,799 voted at 2:00pm
2:10 p.m.: The Illinois Gubernatorial Primary Race is Very, Very Expensive
The race for Illinois governor isn't just one of the biggest races to watch in the state -- it's also the most expensive.
And not only is spending for the 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial Primary the most expensive in state history, it's also on track to be the most expensive, non-presidential race ever in the country, according to analysts.
According to the Illinois State Board of Elections, more than $216 million total has been spent among eight candidates -- two Democrats, including incumbent Gov. J.B. Pritzker, and six Republicans.
Here are the primary gubernatorial candidates vying for a spot on your November ballot.
12:40 p.m.: Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Darren Bailey Speaks in Effingham
Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey speaks out of of Niemberg's in Effingham on this Election Day.
12 p.m.: More Than 170K Ballots Counted in Chicago So Far
Chicago's Board of Elections said more than 170,000 ballots had been counted as of noon on Election Day, more than 50,000 of which were cast on Tuesday alone.
Election officials noted that voter turnout was increasing by the hour.
- 178,215 ballots counted
- 11.9% citywide turnout
11:40 a.m. State Board of Elections Say Fix for 'Polling Place Locator' Tool Near
The Illinois State Board of Election said a fix for its "polling place locator" tool should be "back up any moment" following reports of issues.
Users were being urged to check this link instead until the error is fixed: https://vit.votinginfoproject.org/
11 a.m.: Users Report Errors With State Board of Elections Site Polling Place Locator
As the Illinois State Board of Elections continued to promote its tool to help voters find their polling place, some on social media began reporting issues with the page.
Those trying to access the tool reported seeing a "This site can’t be reached" error message.
A spokesperson for the state board of elections could not immediately be reached for comment.
10 a.m.: Some Voters in Chicago's Logan Square Being 'Rerouted'
9:40 a.m.: How to research the judges on your ballot
Some of the names on your ballot this election are judges, who are elected from specific districts or circuits, not statewide, so the judges you vote for will be different based on where you live.
Here's a complete breakdown of where those vacancies are, and what to know.
9:27 a.m.: Many new Chicago residents registering to vote on Election Day
In Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood, veteran Election Judge Chiquita Lewis-Smith says that the Bucktown-Wicker Park Library polling place is already seeing many new voter registrations on Election Day -- many of them recent residents coming from out of state.
9:08 a.m.: How many people in Chicago have voted so far?
According to the Chicago Board of Elections, as of 9 a.m., 141,122 ballots have been cast in the Illinois Primary so far. That equates to a 9.4% citywide turnout.
By age group, the lowest voter turnout is currently among 18-24 year-olds, followed by 25-34 year-olds.
Voters age 65-74 are leading the pack.
8:45 a.m.: Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Darren Bailey stops by Metra Station in Palatine
As part of his final push in a crowded field, Republican candidate for Governor Darren Bailey made a stop at the Metra Station in Palatine.
NBC 5's Sandra Torres reports that as crews setup their cameras, Bailey gave a thumbs up to commuters waiting for their trains across the platform. He encouraged them to go vote today and one woman shouted back “not for you!”
Bailey’s team responded with: "That’s democracy!"
Bailey, who was recently endorsed by former President Donald Trump, is largely considered the front runner in the GOP race, which includes five other Republican candidates vying for a spot on the November ballot for Illinois Governor.
Here's a recap of the Republican candidates hoping to get the GOP nomination.
8:26 a.m.: Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (D) talks with voters at the 95th Street Red Line Stop
In his first stop of five on Election Day, Pritzker visited the 95th Street Red Line stop at 95th and State Street.
Pritzker, the incumbent in the race, is running for a second term, facing one opponent in the Democratic primary, while six candidates are vying for the GOP nomination in the November general election.
8:03 a.m.: How to return your vote-by-mail ballot
If you voted by mail, there are two ways to return your ballot:
- Mail it back
- Drop it off at a secure ballot box
If you're mailing your ballot back, it must be post-marked by Election Day in order to be counted.
If you're dropping your ballot off at a secure drop box, here's how to find the closest location to you if you live in Chicago.
If you live in Cook County, here's a map of all the ballot drop boxes near you:
7:43 a.m.: The big races to watch
There are countless races up and down the ballot across Illinois with important and interesting narratives, some garnering national attention in another contentious and high-stakes election cycle.
Here's a look at nine of the biggest races you should be watching in the Chicago area and across the state:
7:23 a.m.: Know your rights as a voter
According to the Illinois State Board of Elections, here's a recap of who's allowed at the polls:
- Representatives of the Attorney General, State's Attorney, Election Authority and State Board of Elections
- Law enforcement officials
- Qualified poll watchers and designated poll workers
- Voters
According to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, more than 160 teams of assistant attorneys general and investigators from his office will be monitoring the primary election throughout Election Day "to ensure that voters’ rights are protected and polling places are accessible."
Additionally, voters in Illinois have the right to:
- Vote if they are in line when the polls close at 7 p.m. or at any other time between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Election Day
- Receive a replacement ballot if a voter makes a mistake or “spoils” a paper ballot and the voter has not cast the ballot
The AG's office says that no one is allowed to try to influence a voter within 100 feet of the polling place, and that under Illinois law, it is a crime to prevent a person from voting or registering to vote using intimidation, force, threat or deception.
If you encounter suspicious activity, here's the number to call and report it:
- Chicago and northern Illinois voters can call 1-866-536-3496 (TTY 1-800-964-3013)
- Central and southern Illinois voters can call 1-866-559-6812 (TTY 1-877-844-5461)
7:02 a.m.: Social media reports indicate some Chicago polling places are not yet open
Polling hours on Election Day in Illinois are 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.
However, Tweets on social media indicated that at 6:56 a.m., some polling centers in some precincts still hadn't opened yet.
The Chicago Board of Elections responded quickly, indicating they were looking into it.
Chicago has 51 polling centers, all of which were set to open at 6 a.m.
6:49 a.m.: Who's on your ballot? Use this tool to find out.
Along with local candidates and measures, there are so many important races happening in Illinois this election, including Secretary of State, Governor and more.
For a complete sample ballot, including all local and judicial races, be sure to visit your local election authority's website. In Chicago, that's the Chicago Board of Elections. In Cook County outside of the city, and in the surrounding suburban counties, your local election authority is your county clerk's office.
But to find out who you can vote for in many of the major races (for governor, congress and in the state legislature), enter your address below:
Who’s On Your Ballot?
Find out who will be on your Illinois ballot in the 2022 primary election.
Source: Illinois Board of Elections
Credit: Amy O’Kruk/NBC
6:32 a.m.: Are you registered to vote? Here's how to check.
Are you registered to vote in Illinois? If you're not sure, you can check here by entering your name, address and birth date.
To register to vote in Illinois, you must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years old by the date of the general election on Nov. 8, and not serving a sentence in a penal institution because of a criminal conviction.
If you're not registered yet, it's not too late! You can still register to vote, and vote, at your polling place on Election Day.
To do so, you have to bring two forms of identification, one with your current address (like a utility bill), and be prepared to cast your ballot at the same time. If you've moved since the last time you voted, you can also use grace period registration to update your registration to your current address.
A full list of locations where you can take advantage of grace period registration can be found here.
6:12: a.m.: Do you know where your designated polling place is?
Though thousands in the state have already cast their ballots through early voting and mail, thousands more are expected to take part in the tradition of voting in-person on Election Day.
If that's the case for you, make sure you know where your designated polling place is, as early voting sites are often not the same sites where Election Day voting takes place.
The Illinois State Board of Elections operates a "Find Your Polling Place" feature on its website, which you can access here.
You can also visit your county clerk's website for more information. Many of the clerk websites provide your nearest polling place after you've entered your home address.
If you are a resident of Chicago, suburban Cook County or DuPage County, you have a few more options on Election Day.
In Chicago, all early voting sites will remain open on Election Day for all voters in the city, as will two locations that are open to suburban Cook County residents: 69 W. Washington St. and the Union Station Founders Room at 225 S. Canal St.
And new this year, DuPage County has announced that it is the first county in Illinois to allow voters to cast a ballot at any of its 263 polling places on Election Day.
6 a.m.: Polls are open! Get out and vote, if you haven't already.
Polls opened at 6 a.m. statewide, and will remain open through 7 p.m.
And remember: As long as you are IN LINE when polls close, you can still vote! So if you're rushing to your polling place at the last minute, don't worry if you see a line. Just hop on in it.
According to the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners Chair Marisel Hernandez, voting should be quick today. "Voting should take about 2 minutes," Hernandez said this morning. "We have plenty of poll workers ready to assist you."
And by the way -- you won't have to worry about weather on your way to go exercise your civic duty. The forecast is dry, and is calling for sun and seasonal temperatures.
