In Illinois, there are four scheduled elections in each two-year period.

Even numbered years (federal)

• General primary election: third Tuesday in March
• General election: first Tuesday after the first Monday in November

Odd numbered years (municipal)

• Consolidated primary election: last Tuesday in February
• Consolidated election: first Tuesday in April

No party registration

Illinois does not have a system of party registration. This means a voter does not need to declare a party affiliation in order to vote in consolidated elections or general elections.

To vote in a primary election, a voter must ask for a specific party ballot or a non-partisan ballot if there are referenda to be voted on. Voters are free to choose any party, regardless of how they have voted in the past.