ILLINOIS – As Illinois voters head to the polls in the closely-watched 2026 Midterm elections, the ACLU of Illinois is continuing its campaign to ensure that voters have a plan to vote and know their rights before casting a ballot. The campaign includes on-line and printed resources helping voters navigate the state’s electoral system, encouraging voters to make a plan for voting in November 2026 and meeting with voters across the state to listen to their concerns and offer clear, consistent information about voting in Illinois.
The ACLU of Illinois also is using billboards in Bloomington-Normal, Peoria and Rockford to spread the word to voters about their rights under state law.
“After months of Illinois residents marching in No Kings protests, reaching out to elected officials and sharing their concerns about abuses of power by the federal government, the Midterm elections provide an opportunity for people all across the state to choose elected officials who will reflect their hopes for new policies on health care, immigration, respect for civil rights and government transparency,” said Edwin C. Yohnka, Director of Communications and Public Policy at the ACLU of Illinois. “As we have travelled the state from one end to the other, we have heard repeatedly from voters that they just want basic information about their right to vote in an environment of misinformation and disinformation about the electoral process.”
“We hope to reach as many people as possible with this information.”
As the election nears, the ACLU of Illinois continues to host information about critical dates around voting in our state, details about what is required to be able to register to vote, and important reminders like the ability of people with a criminal record to be able to vote in our state. The organization also offers voters a checklist of steps that they can take to prepare to vote, including checking their registration with the local election authority, making a plan to vote and sharing that plan with others, and finding accurate and trusted sources of information about the election.
For the first time in any election cycle, the ACLU of Illinois has purchased billboards in three Illinois communities – Bloomington-Normal, Peoria and Rockford – as a way of reaching people in those communities who might not be members of the organization or attend an ACLU event. The billboards began running in late September and will remain up through election day.
“We want to pull out all the stops to reach people as they are focusing in on voting,” added Yohnka. “Most important, no one should be afraid to vote or fear that they cannot navigate the system. All of us – no matter your views – should participate in this election.”
You can find the ACLU’s materials on voting in the 2026 Midterm elections here.
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