The advisory referendum is not binding. But if passed later, Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration estimates the tax could generate $4.5 billion annually.

Have you made a voting plan yet to cast your ballot if you live in the Chicago region? Here’s a guide to help you vote.

The News-Democrat has contacted candidates running in state legislative races in the Nov. 5 election and asked them to complete a detailed questionnaire. The early voting period runs from Sept. 26 to Nov.

Illinois voters took to the polls Thursday, the first day of early voting, and cast their ballots for the next president of the United States.

Illinois gives voters 40 days prior to Election Day to cast their ballot – in most jurisdictions. Beginning Thursday, most Illinoisans can vote at their local election authority’s office – in most cases, that’s the county clerk, but for about a quarter of the state’s population it’s a city or county election commission.

Thursday marks the first official date Illinoisans can cast their ballots in the 2024 election. State law allows Illinois citizens to vote in the 40 days prior to election day on November 5, and voters do not need to declare an excuse why they need to early vote.

Registered Illinois voters can cast their ballot Sept. 26 through Nov. 4, the day before Election Day, without having to provide a reason at the office of their local election authority or an early voting center. Curbside voting is also available at early voting sites.

America is just six weeks out from a day that only comes once every four years: Election Day. However, Thursday, people all across Illinois were able to cast their ballot on the first day of early voting.

Quickly find your county's official local elections authority in Illinois with our easy-to-use locator tool. Ensure you're prepared for upcoming elections.

Explore Illinois voting procedures with the CNI voting guide. Find answers to FAQs and use our look-up tool to connect with your county's election authority.

The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating after election officials in states across the country received suspicious packages. On Friday, one of those packages arrived in Springfield at the Illinois State Board of Elections.