Be part of Chicago’s first full school board election.
Your vote helps choose the 21 board members who will represent Chicago Public Schools (CPS) families, students, educators, and communities across the city. It also helps shape how CPS supports learning, school budgets, and students’ futures.
Every Vote Counts
Impact the Future of Chicago’s Schools This Election!
This is the only time Chicago will elect all 21 school board members. Vote on the Chicago Board of Education to make education more equitable, better funded, and more reflective of your community's needs.
GENERAL ELECTION DAY
NOVEMBER 3, 2026
Why Your Vote Matters
Historical First
For the first time in Chicago history, you set the direction for our public schools directly.
Direct Accountability
You can vote for a school board representative who will listen to you.
Empowered Change
You can elect community leaders to the school board who will make an impact
Civic Impact
Your vote can make a difference. Some races may be decided by just a few votes.
Find Your District
Chicago is divided into 20 school board districts. The board president is elected citywide. Use your address to find:
Your school board district
Which seats are up for 2- year or 4-year terms
Learn About the Candidates
Want to learn more about who is running in your district?
Use a trusted voter guide from WBEZ, the Chicago Sun-Times and Chalkbeat Chicago to see what the candidates said about the issues facing Chicago Public Schools.
What does the Chicago Board of Education do?
The Board of Education sets the direction for Chicago Public Schools. Members represent the needs and values of their communities.
Hires and evaluates the CPS CEO
Appoints and holds accountable the Chief Executive of CPS to manage daily operations.
Approves the district budget
Oversees resource allocation and approves the annual multi-billion dollar CPS budget.
Contracts for services
Authorizes major vendor contracts, transportation, safety, and school services.
Sets policy for CPS
Establishes long-term educational guidelines and standards for schools citywide.
This Election Will Help Shape
Student learning and growth
School budgets and property taxes
School building use, health and safety
Neighborhood vitality
Our city's future
Learn About What Works
Want resources to understand how good school boards work and what drives success for CPS students? Explore ALL Chicago's Governance Compass and issue guides from the Kersten Institute for Urban Education.
ALL Chicago's School Board Field Guide
This guide explains what good governance looks like, how to evaluate candidates, and how to stay engaged long after Election Day
Kersten Institute on Urban Education
Discover what the research says about student success, and use it to ask candidates and board members the questions that matter most.
Join Us at the WTTW Presidential
Candidates Forum!
Join us and our community partners for the Chicago School Board President Forum
Chicago Tonight anchor Brandis Friedman, with a live studio audience of Chicago residents, will moderate a panel who will discuss issues such as how to improve the financial situation of the district and enrollment challenges. Audience members from neighborhoods throughout the city will also be given the opportunity to participate in the conversation.
CHICAGO VOTER CHECKLIST
What to Know Before You Vote
Election Day is November 3. Polls will be open from 6 am–7 pm.
Check Your Registration*
Not sure if you’re registered?
*Same Day Registration is available at all precinct polling places and vote centers.
Find Your School Board District
Enter your address to find your school board district and see which race is on your ballot.
Know Your Polling Location
Important Dates
- September 24 - Vote by mail ballots begin to be sent.
- September 24 - Early voting begins at 137 S. State St.
- October 1 - Early voting begins citywide.
- November 2 - Last day of early voting.
- November 3 - Deadline to drop off a mail-in ballot at a polling place or drop box.
- November 3 - Last day to mail your ballot. Ballots must be postmarked by this date.
- November 3 - Election Day
What to Bring
Some voters may need to bring 1–2 forms of identification.
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Join our non-partisan network to receive candidate guide alerts, subdistrict map updates, and key election deadlines. Stay informed and learn more about non-partisan opportunities to empower education in your neighborhood!