Early voting in Illinois begins Monday

CHICAGO (FOX 32 / AP) - Illinois will vote in two weeks, but you can get ahead of the rush starting Monday, Feb. 29.

Early voting begins Monday for the March 15 primary. Voters don't need a reason or excuse to use early voting, and all voters can use any early voting site in the city, regardless of where the voter lives.

You can vote early until March 10.

Polling places will be open on weekends.

Registration services also are available at all early voting sites. Any voter who needs to register to vote for the first time or file an address change or name change must present two forms of ID.

Monday was the first day of expanded early voting in election jurisdictions with more than 100,000 people.

Those jurisdictions must set up early voting at one or more permanent sites in addition to the main office. Chicago has 51 locations, according to the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners.

Early voting statewide began Feb. 4.

On the primary ballot will be Democratic and Republican presidential candidates as well as U.S. Senate and House candidates. Hotly contested Cook County races include the bid for state's attorney.

Voters in Illinois primary elections must declare a party preference. Early voting ends March 14.

Click here to find an early voting site near you.