Christine Hamm For McHenry County Board, District 9

Voting Information

This page contains key information voters should know for the upcoming election. For complete and up-to-date election information, including voting locations, early voting hours, Vote by Mail, and sample ballots when available, visit the McHenry County Clerk’s website.

Here's the full set of 2026 Early Voting Locations as published by our county clerk, with hours, whether they have dropboxes, and whether those dropboxes are available around the clock or only when the early voting location is open. You can download a copy here!

Thursday, September 24th --

Early voting begins for the 2026 General Election at the McHenry County Election Center, 410 South Eastwood Drive, Woodstock.
Vote-By-Mail ballots will be mailed out by the county clerk to voters who have requested them. Look to receive yours by September 27th. Call the clerk at 815-334-4242 if you do not receive yours. Sample ballots should be available on the clerk's website, as well.

Monday, October 19th -- Early voting begins at Early Voting Locations around the county

(also called "early satellite voting").

Tuesday, October 20th -- Plan to have your Vote-By-Mail ballot in the mail!

Track your ballot at https://mchenryvbm.ballottrax.net/voter/. If it is not received by November 2nd, prepare to vote in person in your precinct or at the McHenry County Election Center on Election Day. Vote a provisional ballot.

Thursday, October 29th-- Last day to request a mail-in ballot -- applications sent by US Mail must be received by the county clerk by this date.

Saturday, October 31st -- Last day to vote early at the following Early Voting Locations.

Huntley Park District
Algonquin Library
Cary Park District
Dunham Township Office (also Dropbox Location)
Marengo City Hall

Monday, November 2nd -- Last day for early voting at the following Early Voting Centers.

McHenry County Election Center (also Dropbox Location)
Algonquin Township Garage (also Dropbox Location)
Crystal Lake Public Library (also Dropbox Location)
McHenry Township Office (also Dropbox Location)
Lake in the Hills Village Hall (also Dropbox Location)
McHenry City Hall
Nunda Township Office

Tuesday, November 3rd -- General Election Day

On Election Day, to vote in person, you must vote in your precinct's polling place or at the Election Center, the one universal site on Election Day.
The last day to vote a Vote-By-Mail ballot. DO NOT PUT YOUR BALLOT IN A MAILBOX! Instead:
- Deposit it in the ballot dropbox in the parking lot at 667 Ware Rd., Woodstock, or
- Go to a United States Post Office counter and request a manual postmark, or
- Take your Vote-By-Mail ballot to your precinct's polling place or the McHenry County Election Center, turn it in, and vote in person.

Click here to check your registration or click the image below. The registration period for the online voter registration system may be closed if close or during an active election. If you are registered, the system will return your District information. Remember, Districts changed in 2022 when districts were remapped.

Moved? Submit a Voter Registration Change of Address Form to the McHenry County Clerk's office via email at countyclerk@mchenrycountyil.gov or by mail to: McHenry County Clerk, 2200 N Seminary Ave. Woodstock, IL 60098

NOT REGISTERED TO VOTE?

Click here to register online through the Illinois State Board of Elections.

The McHenry County Clerk publishes sample ballots for elections at this website. In addition to the sample ballot for an specific address, you can also see your Election Day polling place.

When using the sample ballot and polling place locator, make sure to follow exactly the directions at the top of the screen. For example, we strongly recommend that if your address is 123 S. Main St, Woodstock, IL, enter "123" in the address number field and "main" in the street name field and nothing else. Less is more when using the sample ballot locator. If you are having trouble retrieving your sample ballot, please email us at vicechair@mchenrydems.org.

McHenry County Advisory Referendums

There are two countywide advisory referendums on the November 3 ballot. Both are nonbinding, meaning they will not immediately change the law but will communicate voters' preferences to elected officials.

1. Home Rule and County Executive Government

This question asks whether McHenry County should pursue home rule status and a county executive form of government. Supporters see opportunities for greater local flexibility and control. Opponents raise concerns about expanded taxing authority and changes to the county's government structure.

2. Local Zoning Authority

This question concerns state laws limiting local zoning authority over commercial solar and wind projects, battery energy storage facilities, and residential development. Supporters favor restoring more local control over development decisions. Opponents are concerned about potential effects on housing availability and renewable energy development.

Where I Stand

I will be voting NO on both advisory referendums.

On home rule, I'm concerned about granting additional taxing authority and changing our government structure without a more thorough public discussion.

On zoning, I support local input, but I also recognize the importance of housing availability and responsible renewable energy development. I have concerns about such a broad proposal without a clearer understanding of its consequences.

Voting NO doesn't mean opposing local control. For me, it means wanting more thoughtful, transparent solutions.

Do Your Own Research

I encourage everyone to learn more about these questions, consider different perspectives, and make an informed decision.

McHenry County Clerk — Official ballot and referendum information.
McHenry County Democratic Party — The local Democratic Party's perspective on the referendums.
League of Women Voters VOTE411 — Nonpartisan voter information.