Early voting begins at 51 Chicago polling sites

Early voting has begun at designated permanent polling places in larger counties for the March 15 primary.

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.

For more information about voting, visit cookcountyclerk.com/rtv.