Early In-Person Voting to Begin for Winnebago County Residents

WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Ill. - In preparation for the upcoming November 3 General Election, the Winnebago County Clerk's Office announces that early in-person voting will begin Thursday, September 24, 2026.

For Winnebago County residents residing outside the City of Rockford limits, in-person voting will take place at the Winnebago County Administration Building, 404 Elm Street, 4th Floor, Rockford, Illinois 61101.

Early voting will be available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning Thursday, September 24, through Friday, October 23. Beginning Monday, October 26, through Friday, October 30, extended hours will be available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

An additional Offsite Election Center will open in Loves Park on Wednesday, October 7, at 1965 Harlem Road, Loves Park, Illinois. The Offsite Election Center will offer the same early voting hours as the Administration Building.

Additional early voting dates and hours are:

• Saturday, October 24: 9 a.m. to noon
• Sunday, October 25: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, October 31: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sunday, November 1: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Monday, November 2: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

"Voters have several opportunities to cast their ballot before Election Day, and we encourage everyone to make a plan that works best for them," said County Clerk Lori Gummow. "Whether you choose to vote early in person, by mail, or on Election Day, we want to make sure voters understand their options and have plenty of time to participate in the November 3 General Election."

Vote by Mail Reminder

September 24 is also the first day the election authority may mail Vote by Mail (VBM) ballots to voters who have requested them. Voters who have signed up to receive a VBM ballot should be patient and allow time for the ballot to be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.

Voters who have requested a VBM ballot must vote by mail and should not vote in person unless they follow the required procedures for surrendering or otherwise accounting for their VBM ballot.

The last day to register to vote for the November 3 General Election is Tuesday, October 6. Grace period registration and voting begins Wednesday, October 7.

To view races, candidates, voting information, and other election information, visit clerk.wincoil.gov. For additional questions, contact the Winnebago County Elections Office at (815) 319-4252.