The November 3, 2026 Gubernatorial Election is fast approaching and it is important that everyone exercises their right to vote, whether it be through a mail-in-ballot, early voting, or in person on Election Day. Illinois voters will not only get to decide the governor of the state, but also have a say in determining seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and in the U.S. Senate.
Mail ballot applications for the Gubernatorial Election are available to any registered suburban Cook County voter. You can apply directly online or download an application through the Cook County Clerk at: https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/ways-to-vote/vote-by-mail. The last day to request a mail ballot online is October 29th and the ballot must be postmarked by November 3rd.
In person early voting in suburban Cook County begins October 19th and goes until November 2nd. All early voting sites are open Monday – Saturday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, and Sundays from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Registered voters can vote early at any location throughout Cook County. The nearest early voting sites for Riverside Township residents are as follows:
- Brookfield Village Hall – 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield
- Lyons Village Hall – 4200 Lawndale Avenue, Lyons
- Berwyn Pavek Community Center – 6501 31st Street, Berwyn
- Stickney-Forest View Library – 6800 43rd Street, Stickney
On Election Day, November 3rd, voting precincts are open from 6:00 am – 7:00 pm. Registered voters can only vote in their home precinct on Election Day. If you are not yet registered to vote, you can still do so online until October 18th here: https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/voter-registration. You can also register in person at all early voting sites or on Election Day in your home precinct only. If you register at an early voting site or on Election Day, you then must immediately cast your vote after registering. Two pieces of identification are needed in order to register, one must include your current address.
To check your current voter registration status, the location of your polling place, ballot information and more, visit the Cook County Clerk’s Voter Information page on their website here: https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/your-voter-information.
