LIVE election results can be found here. Watch special election coverage from NBC Chicago in the player above.
The day for you to exercise your civic duty is finally here: The 2022 Illinois midterm elections.
Voters on Tuesday across the state are being asked to weigh on everything from who should be the next Governor of Illinois, to which judges should sit on the Illinois to Supreme Court, to whether or not the state constitution should be amended.
And then of course, there are dozens of local referendums, as well as newly drawn districts in the suburbs where congressmen are facing heated races.
We'll be posting live updates here throughout the day about what Election Day looks like across Illinois, how to get results, how to find your designated polling place and more.
11 p.m. - Live Illinois Election Results: Supreme Court Races and Where They Stand
Among the races being highly-watched in Illinois during the midterm elections were multiple Supreme Court races.
Local
Illinois has not one but two Supreme Court seats on the ballot, with the partisan makeup of the court hanging in the balance.
But as of Tuesday evening, no projections had been declared.
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter.
See the latest live results here.
10:25 p.m. - Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi Reelected for 4th Term in Congress, NBC News Projects
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi has been reelected by voters in Illinois’ 8th Congressional district, NBC News projects.
Krishnamoorthi, whose district includes parts of Cook, Kane and DuPage counties, has served in Congress since 2017, and faced a tough challenge from Republican Chris Dargis.
According to his campaign bio, Krishnamoorthi has pledged to bolster the Affordable Care Act, as well as continuing to push for legislation to combat climate change and rollbacks of abortion access rights.
He also recently went on a trip to Taiwan with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, which caused plenty of controversy but was viewed as a key diplomatic step by the Biden administration.
10 p.m. - Rep. Bill Foster Fends Off Catalina Lauf’s Challenge in Illinois’ 11th District
Rep. Bill Foster faced a tough reelection fight against Republican challenger Catalina Lauf, but he managed to win reelection to Congress, NBC News projects.
Foster, who has served in Congress since 2008, currently serves on the Financial Services Committee, as well as the Committee on Science, Space and Technology.
He won reelection in 2020 with nearly two-thirds of the vote, but this time around he has approximately 58% of the vote with 73% of precincts reporting.
9 p.m. - Dan Brady Concedes to Alexi Giannoulias in Illinois Secretary of State Race
Former Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias has apparently won statewide office for the second time, defeating Republican Rep. Dan Brady in a hotly-contested race to become the new secretary of state.
Brady conceded the race in a phone call to Giannoulias on Tuesday night, his campaign said in a press release.
8:50 p.m. - Additional Races Called
Delia Ramirez Earns Election to Newly-Crafted 3rd Congressional District
Illinois state lawmakers redrew the boundaries of the 3rd Congressional district to reflect the growing Latinx population in the region, and Democratic candidate Delia Ramirez has earned the seat by defeating Republican contender Justin Burau, according to NBC News projections.
Ramirez, currently a state representative in the General Assembly’s 4th district, was born in Chicago and has been in public office since 2018.
She defeated three other Democrats in the 2022 primary, including Chicago Ald. Gilbert Villegas.
The district was designed by state legislators to reflect the growing Latinx population in the area, which accounts for 44% of the district’s residents, according to Census data.
Ramirez campaigned on a platform calling for Congress to codify the Roe v. Wade precedent, as well as working toward a more equitable immigration system in the U.S.
Mike Quigley Wins Reelection to Congress After Rejecting Chicago Mayoral Run, NBC News Projects
Rep. Mike Quigley has secured reelection in Illinois’ 5th Congressional district, knocking off republican challenger Tommy Hanson.
Quigley was rumored to be interested in a Chicago mayoral run, but earlier this year he removed himself from contention to focus on his reelection bid to Congress.
His recent work in the legislature has revolved around securing aid for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion of the country, and he has also become one of the foremost advocates for LGBTQIA rights in the chamber.
Rep. Jan Schakowsky Wins Another Term in Illinois’ 9th District, NBC News Projects
Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky has served in Congress since 1999, and he has been reelected to her seat in the 9th Congressional district, NBC News projects.
Schakowsky faced a challenge from Republican Max Rice, but managed to defend her seat.
Schakowsky serves as the senior deputy whip in the House, and is on several prominent committees, including the steering and budget committees.
She campaigned heavily on protecting women’s reproductive rights, and has pledged to work to address immigration reform policies if reelected to Congress. She recently voted in favor of the American Rescue Plan Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
8:25 p.m. - NBC News Projects Winners in Several Races
Jonathan Jackson Knocks Off Eric Carlson in Race to Replace Bobby Rush
In the race to replace retiring Rep. Bobby Rush in Illinois’ 1st district, it will be Democratic candidate Jonathan Jackson that will triumph over Republican contender Eric Carlson, NBC News projects.
Jackson, the son of Rev. Jesse Jackson and the brother of former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., fended off a massive field of 17 candidates earlier this year in his effort to replace Rush, who opted to retire rather than face reelection.
Jackson ran on a platform that emphasized job creation in the district, and said he would seek additional funding for public transit improvements and changes to the health care system in Congress.
He received endorsements from several key groups and political figures in the runup to the election, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and the Chicago Teachers Union.
Rep. Robin Kelly Earns Reelection, Knocking Off Thomas Lynch in Illinois’ 2nd District
Despite being ousted as the head of the Illinois Democratic Party, Rep. Robin Kelly still cruised to victory in the 2nd Congressional district on Tuesday, NBC News projects.
Kelly has been in office since 2013, and won another term in her race against Thomas Lynch.
Kelly has been a supporter of a variety of gun control legislation during her time in office, including pushing for stronger background checks for prospective gun owners. She also campaigned on a pledge to push President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness program across the line in Congress, and on supporting bills that enshrined LGBTQ protections into law.
Amid Chicago Mayoral Whispers, Rep. Jesús García Wins Reelection in the 4th District
Amid whispers that he could soon launch a campaign to challenge Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, 4th District Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García has won reelection to his post, NBC News projects.
García will be elected to a third term in office after defeating Republican challenger James Falakos.
García was born in Mexico, and became one of the first immigrants from that country to be elected to Congress when he won his seat in 2019. He previously served on the Chicago City Council and in the Illinois General Assembly.
He also forced a runoff in the 2015 mayoral election in Chicago, but ultimately lost to former Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Now, García is showing interest in running for mayor in Chicago after polling showed him performing well against the incumbent Lightfoot, who will go before voters in February.
Brad Schneider Retains Seat in Congress, Fending Off 10th District Challenge From Joseph Severino, NBC News Projects
Illinois Rep. Brad Schneider has earned another term in Congress, fending off a challenge from Republican Joseph Severino, NBC News projects.
Schneider has served in Congress since 2017, and previously served from 2013-15 in that body. He is on the House Committee on Ways and Means, as well as the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Schneider’s district includes Highland Park, where a shooting during the Fourth of July parade left seven people dead and at least 48 others injured. Schneider was at the parade when the shooting occurred, but was not injured.
He has called for additional gun regulations in the aftermath of the tragedy.
He also campaigned on a platform that would protect abortion access rights, and has pledged to work to expand health care access in the U.S.
7:40 p.m. - AP Projects J.B. Pritzker, Sen. Tammy Duckworth Win Races
Gov. J.B. Pritzker won reelection over challenger Darren Bailey, the Associated Press projected Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth also won reelection in Illinois, defeating political newcomer and lawyer Kathy Salvi, according to the AP.
Live election results here.
7:20 p.m. - Chicago Reports Turnout as Polls Close
The Chicago Board of Elections reported just after 7 p.m. that voter turnout was at 636,931, or 41.3% of registered voters in the city.
"Polls are now closed, but additional results will be coming in as voters still in line finish voting through the next couple of hours," the board of elections said.
7 p.m. - NBC Chicago's Live Election Coverage Begins; Polls Close
From live Illinois election results and breaking news push notifications sent to your phone to three hours of special coverage in addition to regular local news, NBC Chicago wants to make sure you get all the info you need.
After polls close Tuesday evening in Illinois, NBC Chicago will host live results on the NBC Chicago app and NBCChicago.com.
In addition to Illinois election results online, we'll host a live election special from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday on the NBC Chicago app, website and our streaming channel, NBC Chicago News, which can be found on Peacock, Roku or Samsung TV.
Watch live here.
6:50 p.m. - Champaign County Reports Election Day Connectivity Issues, Possible Cyber Attack
Champaign County officials reported connectivity issues and computer servicer performance problems on Election Day, possibly due to cyber attacks as the county says it has been targeted repeatedly in the last month.
The Champaign County Clerk's office said its IT team "prevented these attacks from being successful and the Clerk's website has remained secured."
"No data or information has been compromised and the election is secure," the office said in a statement to NBC Chicago. "These cyber-attacks are a strategic and coordinated effort to undermine and destabilize our democratic process. The intent is to discourage you from voting. Please do not fall victim to this."
While the office said the issues could lead to some delays, it urged voters to "please stay in line" and said it was "committed to making sure every voter has a chance to cast their ballot."
"Election judges and staff are doing everything they can to process voters according to the requirements of election law while navigating these attacks," the clerk's office said. "We appreciate your patience and commitment to our democratic process."
The Illinois State Board of Elections said it is unaware of any other counties being impacted by such issues.
Illinois State Police first reported the issue around noon Tuesday, the board of elections said.
An investigation into the issues is expected to be turned over to federal investigators.
6:15 p.m. - Sen. Todd Young Wins Reelection in Indiana, NBC News Projects
Virtually as soon as polls closed in Indiana, NBC News has projected that incumbent Republican Sen. Todd Young will keep his seat in the Senate.
Young, who earned his second term in the Senate with his victory, fended off challenges from Democrat Thomas McDermott and Libertarian candidate James Sceniak.
Young had previously served in Congress, representing the 9th district from 2011 to 2017. He served in the Marine Corps for five years, retiring in 2000, and holds a law degree from Indiana University.
He also earned an MBA at the University of Chicago.
He serves on the Foreign Relations Committee and the Committee on Finance in the Senate.
5:45 p.m. - Voters Line Up Out the Door in Lisle to Cast Their Ballots
Images show voters lined up outside at the Lisle Police Department waiting to cast their ballots.
5:20 p.m. - Less Than 2 Hours Until Polls Close
According to the Illinois State Board of Elections, polling places across the state are scheduled to close at 7 p.m. Tuesday. If you're in line when the polls close, you can still vote.
Here's how to get live results as votes are counted.
5 p.m. - Chicago Reports Only 37.1% Voter Turnout
As of 5 p.m. tallies, the Chicago Board of Elections reports just over 571,000 ballots cast, including early votes and vote by mail ballots. That's 37.1% of the registered voters in the city.
3:15 p.m. - Voter Turnout Reports From Chicago-Area Counties
DuPage County
As of 2:30 p.m., DuPage County reported 43% of total turnout. That number includes in-person, vote-by-mail, and early voting.
Lake County
Voter turnout is at 78,609 as of 3 p.m., according to election officials. Early voting was 66,460 as of Monday night and approximately 40,000 mail-in ballots were returned.
3 p.m. - Some Voters Weren't Given 2nd Ballot Page in Error at Multiple Chicago Precincts, Officials Say
In an error that was reported at nearly two dozen Chicago precincts, some voters were only given the first of two ballot pages when they went to cast their ballots this Election Day. But the Chicago Board of Elections said voters shouldn't head back to finish their vote.
Voters given paper ballots should have received Ballot A and Ballot B but in nearly 24 Chicago precincts, Ballot B was not handed out to some voters, election officials said.
The second ballot page contained elections related to retention judges and local referendum questions, depending on the precinct.
Read more here.
2:45 p.m. - Sharpies, Felt-Tip Pens Are In Fact The Best Tools To Fill Out Your Paper Ballot, Officials Say
As Election Day voting in Illinois continues, some voters have expressed concerns that the felt-tip or "Sharpie" pens they were given to use by poll workers as writing instruments on paper ballots was resulting in ink bleeding through.
However, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections, those kinds of pens are the "preferred ballot marking method for many voting systems," across the state of Illinois, including in Chicago.
"There is no need to be concerned about the use of sharpies in polling places," the Illinois SBE tweeted earlier Tuesday. They have been tested and approved to be used on these devices."
The Chicago Board of Elections in an updated Tuesday echoed this sentiment, saying that ink from ballpoint pens and pencils do not come through as well.
"Do not bring your own voting instrument from home," Bever said. "Please use the felt-tip pen provided to you by poll workers. Even if it does have a bit of bleed through, it will not present an issue on your ballots."
1 p.m. - Voted? You Could Get a Free Doughnut
Companies are offering deals and freebies throughout Tuesday to mark the occasion.
Krispy Kreme is giving away free glazed doughnuts to all guests. The chain said no purchase is necessary, and guests don't need to show an "I Voted" sticker.
Lyft is providing discounted ride-shares, bike-shares and scooter rides to the polls with the code "VOTE22." Users can redeem the code in the mobile app for 50% off of their ride. The offer is valid for up to $10 off.
12 p.m. - Chicago Board of Elections Reports More Than 417K Ballots Cast
11 a.m. - Voters Line Up to Cast Their Ballots
Images from Clark and Lake show voters lined up to cast their ballots.
9 a.m. - More Than 325K Ballots Cast in Chicago
The Chicago Board of Elections reports that as of 9 a.m., 325,750 ballots have been cast in Chicago, representing 21.1% of the more than 1.5 million registered voters in the city.
People between the ages of 55 and 64 represented the highest number of votes so far Tuesday morning, following be 65-74-year-olds, then 35-44-year-olds.
8:30 a.m. - Election Officials Investigating Reports of Polling Place Problems in Chicago
8:20 a.m. - Candidates spotted out in Chicago on Election Day
Secretary of State candidate Alexi Giannoulias and Sen. Dick Durbin are seen at State and Lake Streets in Chicago.
Delia Ramirez, who is running for Congress, casts her vote in Chicago.
7:20 a.m. - Illinois State Board of Elections Issues Reminder About Felt Pens
7:20 a.m. — Pritzker Vs. Bailey: Where Things Stand for the Illinois Governors' Race
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is predicting a large victory as he seeks re-election for a second term in a heated race against Illinois Sen. Darren Bailey.
In a last minute attempt to attract voters, Pritzker appeared at a rally in Rockford Monday where he recalled his 16-point win in 2018 against then-Gov. Bruce Rauner.
However, some say, after a pandemic, a spike in crime and inflation concerns, a 16-point win would be tough to recreate.
"I'd be surprised," said political strategist Thom Serafin. "I think the race is somewhere between four and eight points right now,"
7 a.m. — Yes, You Can Bring Notes in With You to Vote
Yes, you can bring notes (or your phone) in the ballot booth with you to vote. But no, you cannot take a ballot selfie -- it's against the law.
Whether this is the first or fortieth Illinois election you're voting in, it's a good idea to brush up on the do's and don'ts of voting in-person on Election Day. Here's a recap.
6:45 a.m. - Voters Line Up to Cast Ballots in Chicago Suburbs
6:40 a.m. — Early Voting Turnout is Higher Some Suburbs Than it Is in the City
Voters in DuPage county wasted no time headed to the polls early Tuesday morning.
Just after when polls opened, , NBC 5 Chicago reporter Lisa Chavarria reported from Elmhurst that officials in the Chicago suburb said early voter turnout numbers show that many took advantage of mail-in voting.
In Chicago, early voter turnout overall is down compared to the 2018 midterms the Chicago Board of Elections said early Tuesday, but a surge on the last day of early voting helped to bring those numbers up a bit. According officials, more than 269,000 people cast their ballot Monday.
Another note about DuPage county -- unlike other counties in the state that have designated Election Day polling places, DuPage county voters can vote at any DuPage county voting location.
DuPage County sits in Illinois' newly redrawn 6th congressional district -- a district that is seeing one of the more competitive races for congress.
Incumbent Democratic Rep. Sean Casten, a scientist and entrepreneur from Downers Grove, is running for a third term. In 2018, he became the first Democrat to represent the 6th District in decades when he ousted longtime Rep. Peter Roskam. The district was a major target for Democrats after 2016, when Roskam held the seat even though Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton won it by 7 points over President Donald Trump.
Casten won a second term in 2020 by fending off a challenge from former state Rep. Jeanne Ives, with the district serving as a sort of bellwether in recent election cycles defined across the U.S. by suburban voters trending more Democratic than they've historically voted.
The district boundaries changed with redistricting following the 2020 U.S. Census, shifting south to include more suburban communities in southwestern Cook County. The remap also resulted in a competitive primary this year for Casten, who defeated fellow incumbent Democratic Rep. Marie Newman in June.
He now faces the GOP nominee, Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau. Pekau is an Air Force veteran and business owner who was elected mayor in 2017. He defeated six other candidates in the Republican primary and has since made law enforcement and crime a major focus of his campaign, specifically the state-level criminal justice reform measure known as the SAFE-T Act that, among several changes, ends cash bail in Illinois in 2023.
6:20 a.m. — Yes, You Can Register to Vote on Election Day in Illinois
Along with Election Day comes the age-old question: Wait, am I registered to vote?
It's ok if you don't know the answer to that question...yet. You can lookup your voter registration using Illinois' State Board of Election's voter registration lookup tool here.
If you aren't registered to vote, don't worry -- in Illinois, you can register to vote, and vote, on Election Day.
However, you'll need to make sure you visit a voting location that offers same-day registration. You can search for that here.
If you are registering to vote, or you've had a change of address and need to re-register to vote, make sure to bring two forms of identification with your correct mailing address on it. These can be in the form of utility bills or pay stubs.
Here's more information on that.
6 a.m. — Polls in Illinois Are Officially Open
The doors are officially open.
According to the Illinois State Board of Elections, all polling places across the state, no matter where you live, are scheduled to be open at 6 a.m., and close at 7 p.m.
According to a Tuesday morning update from the Chicago Board of Elections, the best time in Chicago to avoid lines are mid-morning, and mid-afternoon.
And remember -- if you're in line after the polls close at 7 p.m., you can still vote. As long as you line up before the polls close, you're good to go.
