Posted on Mar 2, 2026

Build Your Ballot with Confidence: Use this Voter Guide for the March 17 Primaries

As we head into the March 17 primary elections, one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself and your community is simple: get informed.

Thankfully, the WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times has made that easier than ever with its comprehensive Illinois Primary Voter Guide. If you’re not sure who’s on your ballot, what they stand for, or even which races affect you, this guide is a one-stop resource to help you build your ballot with confidence.

Why the March 17 Primaries Matter

Primary elections often receive less attention than general elections—but they’re just as important. In many districts, the primary effectively determines who will hold office. From local judges to state legislators and congressional representatives, these races shape policies that impact our neighborhoods, schools, public safety, workforce development, and economic opportunity.

If you care about issues like job access, financial stability, public investment, or fair chances for returning citizens, the decisions made by elected officials directly affect the resources and systems our communities rely on.

What Makes the Voter Guide So Helpful?

The Voter Guide is designed to make civic engagement accessible and straightforward. Here’s what you can expect:

• Personalized Ballot Lookup: Enter your address and instantly see the exact races and candidates that will appear on your ballot.
• Candidate Q&As: Many candidates have answered issue-based questionnaires, giving you direct insight into their priorities and policy positions.
• Plain-Language Explanations: Confused about a judicial retention race or a lesser-known office? The guide breaks down what each role does and why it matters.
• Side-by-Side Comparisons: Easily compare candidates in the same race.

Instead of scrolling through scattered websites or relying solely on campaign mailers, you can review everything in one place and make informed decisions on your own timeline.

How to Use It to Build Your Ballot

Here’s a quick step-by-step approach:

1. Visit the WBEZ/Sun-Times Voter Guide here.
2. Enter your address to generate your personalized ballot.
3. Click through each race and read candidate responses.
4. Take notes or mark your selections.
5. Bring your decisions with you when you vote (or use them to complete your mail-in ballot).

Setting aside even 20–30 minutes to review the guide can make a significant difference in how confident you feel walking into your polling place.

Civic Engagement Is Community Investment

Educating yourself before you vote is one of the clearest ways to invest in your community’s future. When we take the time to understand who is running and what they stand for, we strengthen our collective voice.

On March 17, don’t just show up—show up informed.

Explore the WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times Voter Guide today, build your ballot, and make your vote count.