Joliet voters elect governor, senator today

Voters in Joliet and across Illinois cast ballots in the 2026 midterm election.

Polling locations opened at 6 a.m. and will close at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3. Residents who have mail-in ballots postmarked on or before today may still have those counted if they are received within two weeks of Election Day. Election officials advise that voters drop off remaining mail-in ballots at a polling site to ensure they are counted in time.

Illinois voters decide the next governor and one United States senator today. Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker seeks a third term in a rematch against Republican Darren Bailey. Bailey argues that Pritzker is responsible for higher property taxes and increased gas prices. Pritzker counters that President Donald Trump endorsed Bailey, using that alliance to define the contest.

The state senate race features Democrat Juliana Stratton against Republican Don Tracy. Incumbent Democrat Dick Durbin is not seeking re-election, leaving the seat open. Control of the United States Congress depends on the outcome of this and other races nationwide. The result in Illinois will help determine which party holds the majority in the Senate.

Campaign teams for the top statewide races plan to meet with commuters in Chicago and its suburbs later Tuesday morning. This activity occurs while polling places remain open for in-person voting. Voters in Joliet participate in these contests alongside residents in other parts of the state and the country.