Here’s where to find Illinois sample ballots, candidate information for Nov. 8 election
Before you head out to the polls Nov. 8 (or earlier), you may be wondering what your ballot will look like and who is vying to represent you in federal, state or local offices this year.
Sample ballots are available online for those in St. Clair County and across the state, and the News-Democrat has a plethora of candidate information available online, as well.
Early voting is underway in Illinois and will continue until Nov. 7, a day before the Nov. 8 general election. Voters will select a candidate for governor, attorney general, Illinois secretary of state, U.S. senator and other offices.
Here’s how to locate a sample ballot in St. Clair, Clinton, Madison and Jersey counties, plus where to find information about the candidates.
Where can I find a sample ballot in southwest Illinois?
Several southwest Illinois counties have resources available online where you can enter your address and locate information about your current elected officials, a sample ballot, polling place and more.
St. Clair County has an online system for printable sample ballots, and you can also check your voter registration status.
Clinton County has a sample ballot available online, but races will vary based on your municipality within the county.
Jersey County also has a sample ballot available online.
Madison County offers an online guide, including a countywide sample ballot, a list of polling locations and more voting information.
Other metro-east and Illinois residents can also use nonpartisan voter education website Ballotpedia’s sample ballot search tool. You need your street name, city and state to use Ballotpedia’s database.
To learn more about the candidates on this year’s ballot in your locality, you can check out the News-Democrat’s Voter Guide. Staff contacted about 140 candidates in contested races to seek information about their backgrounds and positions, and information is available online for those who responded.
What are some of the most anticipated races in Illinois?
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker will face Republican nominee Darren Bailey in his run for reelection this year. Several other statewide races will also be on the ballot, including for the U.S. Senate and U.S. House.
An amendment to the Illinois constitution is on the ballot this Nov. 8 – Illinois Amendment 1 would create a constitutional right in the state for employees to organize and bargain collectively through their choice of representatives to negotiate wages, working conditions and more. A “yes” vote supports establishing this right, while a “no” vote opposes it.
Local elections, such as county clerk, sheriff and assessor and more will also be on the ballot. Information about local candidates is available online from the News-Democrat.
This story was originally published November 2, 2022 at 11:16 AM.
