The Illinois primary election is coming up on March 17. Voters will cast ballots in local, state and federal contests. Several races are particularly relevant for residents of Niles Township.
U.S. citizens who are 17 years old and will be 18 by Nov. 3, 2026 are eligible to vote in the March 17 primary and can check their voter registration status here. Anyone who is not already registered to vote can still do so through grace period registration. The requirements for grace period registration and voting are U.S. citizenship; at least 18 years of age by Election Day, or 17 years of age to vote in a General Primary if the individual will be 18 as of the following General Election; resident of the precinct at least 30 days prior to Election Day; and two forms of identification.
After serving as U.S. senator from Illinois for 30 years, Democrat Dick Durbin is not seeking re-election. While in office, Durbin has been an activist for human rights, criminal justice reform, judicial appointments and the Dream Act of 2001. Democrats running to replace him include Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Rep. Robin Kelly. Stratton has been endorsed by Governor J.B Pritzker and junior senator from Illinois Tammy Duckworth.
“A big thing for me definitely was looking at all the commercials and seeing what they’re saying, but also keeping in mind that there is a lot of propaganda,” senior and first time voter Eva Acosta said.
With a campaign focused on overcoming Trump’s policies, Krishnamoorthi promises to stop intervention from ICE. Additionally, Krishnamoorthi has promised to lower prices for working families. The winner of the Democratic primary will face a Republican in November to take office in January 2027. Republicans running for the seat include Don Tracy, R. Cary Capparelli and Pamela Denise Long. Illinois has not elected a Republican to the U.S. senate in over 40 years.
Senior Nick Dao commented on voting for the first time.
“I feel like everyone should vote if they can,” Dao said. “One problem is that a lot of people don’t vote because they think it won’t matter. That is actually not true.”
Niles Township is located in Illinois’s 9th District where Jan Schakowsky has been U.S. Representative since 1998 and is not seeking reelection. She championed the the Affordable Care Act, is a known for advocate for women’s rights, safety improvements, auto safety and senior advocacy. There are 15 democrats running to take her place including former Illinois State Senator and current mayor of Evanston Daniel Biss as well as current Illinois State Senator Laura Fine. Another front runner in the race is Kat Abughazaleh who pleaded not guilty to federal conspiracy charges linked to her participation in a September protest outside ICE’s Broadview facility. Niles North graduate Bushra Amiwala is running in the same race. In November’s general election, the Democratic primary winner will face one of the four Republicans running for the same seat: Rocio Cleveland, John Elleson, Paul Friedman and Mark Su.
For the gubernatorial race, incumbent JB Pritzker is aiming towards a third term in office, last achieved in the 1980s. Pritzker has focused on fiscal stability, reproductive rights and standing up to federal overreach. With Stratton aiming for the Senate, Pritzker has selected former Deputy Governor Christian Mitchell as his new running mate. While Pritzker is not facing a primary challenger, Republican voters will choose a candidate to face him in the general election. Ted Dabrowski, James Mendrick, Rick Heidner and Darren Bailey all say that they’re running to address taxes, crime and generating economic growth.
Senior Ryan O’Malley turned 18 last month and is eager to vote in his first election.
“I feel like voting because I feel like I actually have an impact on the world and my views and beliefs are getting most represented,” O’Malley said. “I think I’ll be focusing on issues like the economy, since prices are super high everywhere.”
AP U.S. Government and Politics teacher Joseph Edwards commented on why he believes that people should vote, even in the primaries.
“One of the foundations of our government is that the people have a say, and this is an opportunity for them to learn more about how our government functions and to have a say in what happens,” Edwards said. “There [are] some big races right now in the primaries, and for a lot of them the Democrat probably wins, but participating gives them an opportunity to see which candidate they support most.”
Election officials are reminding residents that despite the holiday festivities for St. Patrick’s Day, polling places will close promptly at 7:00 p.m. With early voting having started in February, turnout numbers are already tracking steadily, though political observers are watching closely to see if the St. Patrick’s Day date boosts or suppresses Election Day participation in Chicago and its suburbs. For those interested in viewing a sample ballot, click this link and enter your zip code for more information.
