Overview of Illinois 2018 Election Calendar
In 2018, Illinois followed its standard even-numbered election cycle, with a consolidated primary in June and a general election in November. Federal, state, and many local offices were on the ballot. Key milestones included candidate filing deadlines in late fall 2017 for the primary, party nominating petitions in early 2018, and registration and ballot access steps in the months leading up to each vote. This overview summarizes the sequence of contests, filing periods, and deadlines that structured Illinois elections in 2018.
2018 Primary Election in Illinois
The primary determined party nominations for the November general election. Illinois uses a closed primary, so voters had to affiliate with a party to receive that party’s ballot. Key dates and rules shaped the primary schedule and ballot preparation.
Primary Date and Contests
The consolidated primary election was held on Tuesday, June 26, 2018. Federal offices (U.S. House and Senate), state legislative seats, statewide constitutional officers, and many local nominations were decided on this ballot. Judicial elections and ballot questions that met qualification criteria also appeared in the primary when applicable.
Filing and Petition Deadlines
Candidate filing periods and petition requirements were fixed by state law and administered by the Illinois State Board of Elections and local election authorities. Deadlines fell roughly six to seven months before the primary, giving campaigns time to collect signatures and qualify for the ballot.
| Milestone | Date or Period | Purpose and Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Candidate Filing Deadline for Partisan Offices | December 1, 2017 (nominating period) | Submitted candidacy paperwork and qualifying fees |
| Party Nominating Petition Deadline | December 4, 2017 | Collect and file petition signatures for ballot access |
| Primary Election Day | June 26, 2018 | Closed partisan primary; voters choose party ballots |
2018 General Election in Illinois
The general election decided all elected offices not decided in the primary and filled remaining terms. Illinois provides multiple voting options, including early in-person voting and no-excuse absentee ballots, alongside Election Day voting and provisional procedures.
General Election Date and Contests
The general election was held on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. All of Illinois’s U.S. House districts, all state legislative seats, statewide constitutional offices, and many county and municipal offices were up for election. Issues and referenda that qualified through legislative referral or petition were also decided on this ballot.
Registration, Absentee, and Local Rules
Voter registration deadlines, absentee ballot applications, and local election procedures followed state statutes administered by the Illinois State Board of Elections. Key timelines enabled eligible voters to participate by mail or in person before Election Day, with specific cutoffs for registration and absentee ballot requests.
| Milestone | Date or Period | Purpose and Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Voter Registration Deadline | October 9, 2018 (for November 6 election) | Eligible voters must register or update records |
| Absentee Ballot Request Deadline | November 3, 2015 by mail (standard guidance window) | Requested ballots must be received to count |
| Early In-Person Voting | Begins in late October; varies by locality | In-person absentee voting available at local election offices |
| General Election Day | November 6, 2018 | Polling sites open statewide; ballots counted and certified |
Key Differences Between Primary and General in 2018
Understanding the structure of each contest helps voters and observers compare timing, ballot access, and eligibility rules.
Comparison of Primary and General Election Elements
- Timing: Primary in late June; general in early November.
- Ballot Access: Closed primary required party affiliation; general included all eligible offices and issues.
- Candidate Participation: Primary nominated candidates; general included nominees plus independent and third-party candidates who met requirements.
- Voter Eligibility: Closed primary limited ballot choice by party registration; general open to all eligible voters regardless of party.
- Official Results: Primary certified nominations; general certified winners for each office.
Federal and State Offices on the 2018 Ballots
Federal races included all of Illinois’s U.S. House districts, with no Class II U.S. Senate seat up in 2018. State offices on the ballot included the Governor and Lieutenant Governor (on the primary and general ballots together), the Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller, and Treasurer. All seats in the Illinois House of Representatives and about a third of the Illinois Senate were contested, consistent with staggered Senate terms. Some appellate and circuit judges and local offices also appeared depending on the jurisdiction.
Administrative Rules and Procedures
The Illinois Election Code and related administrative rules govern filing procedures, ballot placement, campaign finance disclosure, and election oversight. The Illinois State Board of Elections provides guidance on ballot measures, candidate lists, and voter information. Local election authorities administer polling places, early voting, and final certification of results, ensuring consistency and compliance across the state.
Voting Methods and Accessibility in 2018
Illinois offered several voting options to accommodate different circumstances. Eligible voters could participate through Election Day polling, early in-person voting at designated locations, and absentee voting by mail with no-excuse eligibility. Provisional ballots were available for voters whose eligibility or registration status needed verification at the polls. Polling places and accessibility accommodations were governed by state and federal requirements to support broad participation.