Days before the March 17 primary election, early voting was on pace to exceed early-voting totals in the last primary, in 2024, when statewide turnout was just 19%. That could indicate more voters will have gone to the polls.
At press time, the Peoria Election Commission (PEC) reported having about 2,100 early voters — four days before Election Day. The 2024 primary’s early-voting total was 2,303, according to PEC’s Assistant Executive Director Jessily Joseph.
Vote-by-mail ballots received several days before March 17 numbered about 5,600, compared to 6,599 vote-by-mail ballots totaled in 2024. If this year’s primary has a greater turnout, it could be due to more state and federal open seats.
Illinois has 17 in its U.S. House of Represen-tative delegation, and five districts will have races in November. That’s the biggest turnover in the delegation in decades, according to The Associated Press.
Also, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is retiring Jan. 3, 2027, so his seat will be open, and 17 candidates vied to succeed him. After the election on St. Patrick’s Day, Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton was projected to beat out 11 Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th Dist.), who grew up in Peoria, and U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (2nd Dist.), who attended Bradley University. Stratton will face former state party chairman Don Tracy, who beat out six Republicans in the primary.
Darren Bailey edged out four Republicans and will again oppose Gov. JB Pritzker this fall; five women appeared on the primary ballot for state Comptroller; and Dillan Vancil defeat Julie Bickelhaupt to be the GOP’s candidate to unseat U.S. Rep. Eric Sorsensen in the 17th District.
In the 16th Congressional District, both incumbent Republican Darin LaHood and Democratic newcomer Paul Nolley ran unopposed, so they’ll face off in fall balloting.
As always, factors ranging from spring break travel to inclement weather may hamper final turnout.
The PEC canvasses ballots and certifies county offices within 21 days following elections, and, for other offices, the State Board of Elections has 31 days to certify those results.