* The Democratic Party of Illinois, backed by the state’s top leaders, wants to move the 2028 primary up to sometime before the first Tuesday in March of that year. Press release…

The Democratic Party of Illinois is proud to announce its proposal to hold a pre-window primary contest in Illinois has been submitted today to the DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee.

“Illinois is a cross-section of urban, suburban, and rural America, a national beacon for labor rights, equality, and reproductive justice, and the heart of the Democratic Party in the Midwest,” said DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez. “From Cairo to Champaign, up from the Quad Cities to Chicago, and everywhere in between, Illinois offers candidates ample opportunities to reach voters of all backgrounds. We are a microcosm of America and the perfect analog to test a potential nominee’s capabilities on the national stage.”

Chair Hernandez continued: “Illinois has been the target of the Trump administration’s worst abuses. To win, candidates will have to meet Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native voters where they are and speak to the concerns of women, LGBTQ+ communities, and disabled Americans who have been targeted by this White House. Undoubtedly, Illinois voters will take seriously the task to help select a nominee who will work to push far-right extremists out of power. A competitive primary in Illinois will lay out an agenda that lowers costs for Americans across economic status. Whoever emerges from the primary will do so by building a coalition across race, class, gender and geography with the momentum needed to win back the White House.”

Today’s submission is with the support of Illinois’ Democratic governor, House Speaker, Senate President, and a strong coalition of support from advocacy groups and labor. The application touts the state’s electoral infrastructure–well-run elections and timely ballot tabulation with early voting, vote by mail, same-day voter registration, and automatic voter registration–as reasons why Illinois makes it easy for every eligible voter to cast their ballot, and why Illinois is ready and able to support an early primary.

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