New downtown Chicago supersite opens for early voting
Early voting for the 2026 primary began Thursday morning for anyone who lives within the Chicago city limits.
Watch CBS News
Early voting for the 2026 primary began Thursday morning for anyone who lives within the Chicago city limits.
Bever joins Joe Donlon and Irika Sargent with information on election security and integrity, and what the board is expecting for polling places on Election Day Tuesday.
Sheriff Tom Dart said this implementation of law enforcement makes his deputies proactive instead of reactive.
The final accuracy and logic tests were under way Monday at the Chicago Loop Supersite, at 191 N. Clark St.
Per state law, all late-arriving but properly postmarked ballots must be counted.
Chicago election officials on Friday will begin scanning and counting thousands of mail-in ballots, a day after workers spent the day checking signatures on those ballots. Poll watchers for both of the Democratic candidates for Cook County State’s Attorney will be there to keep an eye on the process, with that race still too close to call. Max Bever, with the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, helps break down the process.
CBS 2's cameras were rolling Thursday as several checks were made on mail-in ballots.
Technically, the deadline is April 2, so it could take almost two more weeks to determine whether Eileen O’Neill Burke or Clayton Harris III will be the next Cook County State’s Attorney. CBS 2’s Tara Molina reports.
The demonstration ballot listed the names of various historical figures with Chicago or Illinois connections as candidates for various offices.
Younger voters 18 to 24 are the smallest voting bloc to show up to the polls so far.
Younger voters 18 to 24 are the smallest voting bloc to show up to the polls so far. CBS 2's Marissa Perlman reports.
Candidates must submit signatures from registered voters in order to appear on the ballot. That is a mandate you won't find in every big city.
The second page, or Ballot B, has all the judges up for retention.
Election officials statewide say they are doing everything they can to protect your vote.
If you need to brush up on the candidates in your district or see if your polling place has changed, check out the CBS 2 Voter Guide and then be sure to stay with CBS 2 for live Election Night coverage.
"I do think, you know, the Obamas visiting the early voting site lets voters know that it's there, it's open – it's ready for their early votes," said Chicago Board of Elections spokesman Max Bever.
There will also be extended weekday hours for the supersite (9:00 a.m. to 7:00 pm) from June 20 to June 24, the week before Election Day.
Early voting for the 2020 general election still had a little bit of time to go as of late Monday afternoon, but it had already set records by that time – along with mail-in ballots.
Election Day is coming up Tuesday, but yes, you still have time to vote early.
Experts expect the vote totals to break records, but as CBS 2's Jeremy Ross reported, there is one total in particular that Chicago leaders are watching closely.
"Regardless of what happens, November 3rd will be a big day for all of us, and our goal is clear: keep Chicagoans safe as we take part in this momentous day," Lightfoot said.
It's the first time ever the arena is being used as a voting site, and the arena will be open to all Chicago voters on Election Day.
In light of the pandemic, there's been a major push urging Americans to vote by mail or vote early for the Nov. 3 elections.
"When we receive those ballots back, we have a team of three judges who must review the envelope. And make sure the signature matches what we have on our voter rolls for that particular voter, and it has to be a unanimous decision by all the judges."
Many voters lined up as early as 6 a.m., more than two hours before the Loop Super Site opened at 8:30 a.m. It wasn't long before the line to vote stretched for blocks.
Taste of Chicago, the city's annual food festival, has begun setting up in Grant Park.
Chicago rapper Twista has pleaded guilty to willfully failing to pay income taxes.
A man was sentenced to eight years in prison earlier this month for robbing a mail carrier on Chicago's Near West Side back in 2022.
Chicago fire officials said a vacant home in the city's Englewood neighborhood caught fire Monday morning.
A new trial was denied Monday for Marni Yang, who is serving life in prison for a 2007 shooting that left a romantic rival dead.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson introduced a new ordinance Monday morning he said will increase protections for the city's renters.
The Supreme Court overturned a 90-year-old decision that allowed Congress to shield members of certain independent agencies from being fired by the president at will.
The Supreme Court allowed Lisa Cook to continue in her post as a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors while legal proceedings over President Trump's attempt to fire her continue.
The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that states can count mail ballots that are cast by Election Day but arrive later, rejecting a GOP challenge to a Mississippi law.
A unanimous federal jury found that a preponderance of evidence supported Carroll's claim that Mr. Trump sexually abused her.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday signed several new consumer protections into law, including a ban on junk fees.
CBS News Chicago has learned that Illinois home insurance premiums are not only higher than the nation's average, but going up faster too.
As an alternative to legalizing video gambling terminals citywide, Bally's offered to open slot machine lounges at O'Hare and Midway, saying the move would replace the $6.8 million the city budgeted from VGTs.
An Illinois law banning "swipe fees" on taxes and tips — already delayed twice by lawmakers — appears to be on life support after a federal judge that once permitted it issued a permanent injunction against it this week.
A new study from the Cook County Treasurer's office underlines growing concerns about the impact the Illinois megaprojects bill could have on the county's property tax base and overall fiscal health.
The north Chicago suburb of Glenview became the latest Illinois municipality this week to confirm mosquitoes testing positive for the West Nile virus this year.
Environmental and community groups are suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failing to act on a petition challenging U.S. Steel Gary Works operating permit renewal.
In the four years since Roe v. Wade was overturned and Illinois became a destination for abortion care, Illinois providers and advocates have rebuilt the state's infrastructure to support the tens of thousands of people who travel to the state for abortion services every year.
June is National Aphasia Awareness Month, raising awareness of a disorder that affects a person's ability to speak, write, and understand both spoken and written language.
The Chicago Department of Public Health issued a warning Tuesday about a possible measles exposure at O'Hare International Airport.
The Chicago Bears this weekend said they are assessing land at Wolf Lake Terminals in Hammond, Indiana, for a possible new stadium.
As an alternative to legalizing video gambling terminals citywide, Bally's offered to open slot machine lounges at O'Hare and Midway, saying the move would replace the $6.8 million the city budgeted from VGTs.
Daley's Restaurant, known as Chicago's oldest, has served Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood for more than 130 years.
Walgreens is set to close in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood on Thursday, and there's growing concern about where families will get their medications.
The owners of Gene & Georgetti steakhouse are suing a concessions operator over their expansion at Midway International Airport.
Chicago rapper Twista has pleaded guilty to willfully failing to pay income taxes.
Lionel Richie's Chicago concert at the United Center has been postponed after the singer became sick at his tour opener in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Legendary musician Lionel Richie had to cut his performance short Wednesday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, leaving fans with many questions.
Clive Davis helped shape the careers of music stars including Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen and Whitney Houston.
Claude Guillemot and a flight instructor were flying in a twin-motor Cessna 421 on Friday evening. An investigation into the crash is underway.
Meteorologist David Yeomans has your 11 a.m. First Alert Weather forecast for Monday, June 29, 2026.
The recalled window-room and through-the-wall units can keep their heating elements energized during an electrical fault, even when they’re turned off — making for a fire hazard.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson introduced a new ordinance Monday morning he said will increase protections for the city's renters.
The U.S. Supreme Court issued several major rulings Monday, protecting mail-in ballots mailed by but received after Election Day, and allowing the president more power to fire people at executive agencies but protecting the unique independence of the Federal Reserve.
The service was held at the Advocate Center, a training facility close to the United Center.
A Chicago Transit Authority switch worker was shot and killed in Chicago's Roseland community early Monday morning.
An Amazon Fulfillment Center in Matteson became a crime scene overnight Sunday into Monday, after an employee was shot and killed.
Cook County is under an Extreme Heat Warning and the rest of the Chicago area is under a Heat Advisory through at least Wednesday night.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson introduced a new ordinance Monday morning he said will increase protections for the city's renters.
Taste of Chicago, the city's annual food festival, has begun setting up in Grant Park.
An Uber driver who was assaulted during a ride said he begged Chicago police officers not once but twice for help, but was left to fend for himself.
CBS News Chicago has learned that Illinois home insurance premiums are not only higher than the nation's average, but going up faster too.
The Cook County Sheriff's Office has been a part of Illinois' enhanced CTA security plan and state-led task force dedicated to making it safe since the end of March. Their officers have worked more than 4,000 hours a month.
A rideshare driver was shot in Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood on Monday night.
After a violent holiday weekend, Chicago city leaders are expected to announce new support for a dedicated Department of Gun Violence Prevention.
A memorial service was held Monday morning for Chicago Bulls broadcaster and three-time NBA champion Stacey King.
NASCAR is back in town next weekend, but not for a downtown street race — this time, for the first time in seven years, races will be held at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet.
Jacob Webb (3-2) got the win with a scoreless ninth. Wicks notched his first save of the season.
Miguel Vargas homered and doubled for the White Sox (43-39), who fell to 17-10 in one-run games.
Las Vegas is 4-1 in its last five games.
A man was sentenced to eight years in prison earlier this month for robbing a mail carrier on Chicago's Near West Side back in 2022.
A new trial was denied Monday for Marni Yang, who is serving life in prison for a 2007 shooting that left a romantic rival dead.
A Chicago Transit Authority switch worker was shot and killed in Chicago's Roseland community early Monday morning.
A man was stabbed in the Printers Row district in downtown Chicago early Monday morning.
An Amazon Fulfillment Center in Matteson, Illinois, became a crime scene overnight Sunday into Monday, after an employee was shot and killed.