Vote Democratic -- preserve our democracy !!!!

Neighbors for a Better McHenry County Inaugural Fundraiser

NEIGHBORS FOR A BETTER McHENRY COUNTY INAUGURAL FUNDRAISER

WHEN:  Saturday, September 19th, 2026 -- 5:00 to 7:00 pm
WHERE:  Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 North Main Street, Crystal Lake

Neighbors for a Better McHenry County invites you to join their inaugural fundraiser.

Get your tickets here.

Featuring the most awesome Daniel Biss, mayor of Evanston and our Democratic nominee for US Congress in the 9th congressional district, including a big chunk of McHenry County.

Also featuring endorsed candidates, the amazing Gloria Van Hof and Carolyn Campbell, incumbent county board members running for re-election in county board districts 2 and 3, respectively, and Pat Shea, running for the county board for district 7.

For more information please reach out to Eli Brottman at [email protected] or 630-746-8800.

Whom To Vote For -- Our Democratic Candidates

Here's the complete set of Democrats on your November 2026 ballot anywhere in McHenry County.

Team Nabeela GOTV Postcard Party

TEAM NABEELA GOTV POSTCARD PARTY

WHEN:  Sunday, August 23rd, 2026 -- 2:00 to 5:00 pm
WHERE:  Nabeela's Campaign Headquarters, 1266 West Northwest Highway, Palatine

The most awesome Nabeela Syed, currently state representative in the 51st house district, is running for State Senate to flip the 26th senate district.  (She's the running mate of the equally awesome Maria Peterson, running to flip the 52nd house district, the 26th senate district being composed of the 51st and 52nd house districts.)

Nabeela's campaign writes, "Help us reach voters by writing handwritten postcards to our neighbors across the 26th District!  No experience is necessary - we will provide the postcards, scripts, and supplies.  Bring a friend, enjoy good company, and spend an afternoon spreading the word about our campaign from the comfort of our campaign office!"

Here's the link to RSVP.

Visit Nabeela at nabeelasyed.com or on Facebook.

For more information please reach out to Claire McCall at [email protected] or 217-502-3101.

Huntley Area Democrats August Meeting

All Democrats are cordially invited to the August 2026 meeting of the Huntley Area Democrats, covering both Kane and McHenry Counties.

WHEN:  Wednesday August 26th, 2026 -- 1:00 to 3:00 pm
WHERE:  IBEW Hall - Training Hall - 13300 Illinois Route 47, Huntley

Please join us for a detailed discussion of our campaign strategy for the November election.

The IBEW Hall is located in front of the Jewel, just south of the Wendy's, and north of the Taco Bell.  You can enter the building either on the west or the east sides.

Donations to the Grafton Food Pantry will be most gratefully accepted.

For more information, please reach out to [email protected].

Planet Palooza

PLANET PALOOZA

WHEN:   Sunday, August 16th, 2026 -- 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
WHERE:  Woodstock Square

Enjoy scrumptious munchies from FOOD TRUCKS, or bring your own picnic.
Bring your Folding Chairs & Blankets to sit and enjoy great food & music!

Join us for this family-friendly outdoor event aimed at ways to “Make our planet a better place to live.”  This is our fifth year on the Square, showcasing our non-profit organizations addressing environmental issues, advocating for diversity & equality, supporting our veterans, and combatting hunger, homelessness, domestic violence, addiction, and gun violence.  All are important groups providing other essential services to our growing & diverse communities.

Groups will have information tables with demonstrations, activities & free giveaways set up along the walkways on the square so that visitors can get more information on ways that we all can help them to continue their great & necessary work here in our county!

For more information please reach out to 224-357-0360.

Hosted by Together We Stand McHenry County.  

Visit Together We Stand on Facebook.

Day of Action with Dee Darling and Maria Peterson

DAY OF ACTION WITH DEE DARLING AND MARIA PETERSON

WHEN:  Saturday, August 22nd, 2026 -- starting at 11:00 am
WHERE:  Meet at Starbucks, 620 Northwest Highway, Cary

Please join the most awesome Dee Darling, our candidate for McHenry County Board in district 1, and the most awesome Maria Peterson, our candidate for State Representative in the 52nd district, as they knock on doors to meet voters, talk about the issues, and win this thing!

Please RSVP via Mobilize.

Visit Dee Darling at vote4darling.com or on Facebook.
Visit Maria Peterson at mariafor52.com or on Facebook.

Contact Dee at [email protected].
Contact Maria at [email protected].

Karen Battaglia's Birthday Bash

KAREN BATTAGLIA'S BIRTHDAY BASH

WHEN:  Thursday, August 27th, 2026 -- 6:00 to 8:00 pm
WHERE:  Kishwaukee Brewing Company, 1900 Dillard Court, Woodstock

Karen Battaglia, our most awesome candidate for State Senate in the 32nd district, invites you to join her for her birthday bash fundraiser.  "Community tickets" only $32, so for sure come on out and help flip this district.

Get your tickets here or at the door.

Visit Karen at karenforil32.com or on Facebook.

Contact Karen at [email protected].

District Two Democratic Roundtable

 DISTRICT 2 DEMOCRATIC ROUNDTABLE

Special topic:  the Home Rule Referendum !  

WHEN:  Thursday, August 20th, 2026 -- 6:30 to 8:00 pm
WHERE:  La Mega Premium Michoacana - Taqueria, 19 Berkshire Drive, Unit D, Crystal Lake (SW corner of Berkshire & Virginia)

"Roundtable" -- an opportunity for frank Democratic talk about events and issues of the day.  If you're a Democrat or Democrat-curious and live in District 2 (covering a big swath of the south end of Crystal Lake, and Lake In The Hills), then you're most cordially invited to join us.

The venue features scrumptious Mexican food and desserts.

District 9 Democratic Roundtable

DISTRICT 9 DEMOCRATIC ROUNDTABLE
Crafted especially for Democratic Voters in Coral, Riley & Grafton Townships

WHEN:  Wednesday August 12th, 2026 -- 6:30 to 8:00 pm
WHERE:  Pub 47, Back Room (to the right), 10400 Illinois Route 47, Huntley

****We will be working this month! ***
During our round table we will be stuffing the literature bags that will be carried to voters as we knock on doors.

Round tables are held at local pubs, offering yummy drinks and food for purchase, lively conversation, and a room full of like minded Democrats. These gatherings are packed with invigorating discussions and a great chance to connect. Join us as we work together and enjoy sharing ideas for getting Democrats elected all the way down the ballot!

RSVP not necessary but always appreciated.

Wear purple to show your support for our D9 candidate County Board, CHRISTINE HAMM.

Info or to get involved?  Contact Lynn Mitchell at [email protected].

AJ Johnson's Campaign Fundraiser

AJ Johnson's Campaign Fundraiser - Brunch & Silent Auction

WHEN:   Saturday, August 29th, 2026 -- 10:30 am to 1:00 pm
WHERE:  Maravela's Banquet & Catering (across from Grant High School), 4 Washington Ave, Fox Lake 

AJ Johnson, our most awesome candidate for state representative in the 64th district, invites you to join him at this Brunch Fundraiser.

AJ writes:  "The Brunch is a buffet with over 20 items on the buffet, plus a sweets table that consists of Fresh Fruit Tray, Lemon Bars, Brownies, Peanut butter Balls, Assorted Cookie, Rice Pudding w/Fresh Whipped Topping on the side. Includes Coffee, Tea, Milk and Soda. Cash Bar available for purchase. There will be a silent auction with over 20 baskets/items to be auctioned. It is going to be a "Fired Up" Fun Event. Surprise Key Note Speaker!"

Get your tickets here.

Visit AJ on Facebook or contact him at [email protected] or 224-381-0861.

Campaign Kickoff Picnic 2026

Grilling for a better tomorrow!
2026 'Campaign Kickoff' Picnic

WHEN:  Saturday, August 15th, 2026 -- 11am to 3:00 pm
WHERE:  Veterans Acres Park -- Jaycee Shelter -- 431 Walkup Road, Crystal Lake

SPECIAL NOTE:  The awesome Christian Mitchell, our next Lieutenant Governor and JB Pritzker's running mate, will be our keynote speaker.  Don't miss this opportunity to hear and meet him.

Get inspired, mingle with our candidates and fellow party members, and have some food and fun as we begin the 2026 petition passing season! Pick up candidate petition packages, literature & signs. The Party will provide lunch and beverages, but donations would be much appreciated.

We reserved the VA/JAYCEE shelter, which features easy parking, restrooms, and a playground nearby.

Plus, we're going to be having a "50-50" fundraising raffle.  Come on out, buy some tickets, and help us raise funds to elect Democrats up and down the ballot.

It will be a full house - BRING A FOLDING CHAIR! It's likely to be hot so please bring your filled water bottle to stay hydrated, as well as kind to our environment. :)

RSVP REQUIRED - please let us know you are coming so we have enough food for everyone!

Illinois Democratic County Chairs Brunch 2026

It's that time again, the 2026 edition of the awesome County Chairs Brunch, put on by the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association (IDCCA), held in Springfield every year to coincide with Governor's Day at the Illinois State Fair.  Come on down for this inspiring gathering of Illinois Democrats.  All of our IL Democratic candidates and officeholders will be there, plus some inspiring keynote speakers.   

It's on Wednesday August 19th, 2026, starting at 9:00 am at the Bank of Springfield Center (1 Convention Center Plaza, aka 524 South Second Street).  After the program head on over to the Governor's Compound at the Illinois State Fair and be inspired by our Illinois Democratic leaders, starting with our governor, the amazing J.B. Pritzker himself.

If interested, contact [email protected] for more details on how to get tickets and discounted accommodations.

Lake In The Hills Summer Sunset Parade

Democratic Party of McHenry County at the 2026 Sunset Parade

The Lake In The Hills Summer Sunset Festival is always fun, and there's no better way to celebrate it than by joining us in the Summer Sunset Parade, stepping off at 11:00am on Saturday September 5th from Sunset Skate Park. 

We'll know our number in the parade closer to the date.  The skate park is on Haligus where it's curving around, south of the Bark Park, and Google has the address as 5200 Miller Road. 

Our float will be arriving at the Skate Park between 9:30 and 10am.  Come at that time if you want to help decorate the float.  Otherwise please plan to arrive no later than 10:30 -- this parade steps off right on time.

The route takes us east and north on Haligus, then east and south on Miller, ending at Sunset Park.

Pollwatchers Rights Poster

A poster showing clearly what pollwatchers can and can't do.

Pollwatcher Credentials - the two types

Showing examples of the two types of pollwatcher credentials -- issued by the county clerk, or issued by the Illinois State Board of Elections

Pollwatcher Credential Envelope

When you enter the polling place, you sign your credential(s) in the presence of one of the election judges, who then places it in this envelope, and you sign in as a pollwatcher on a line on the envelope.  When you leave you sign out.  You can sign in again, then, without needing a new credential.

ISBE Pollwatcher's Guide

Illinois State Board of Elections - Pollwatcher's Guide - published 2022 - Eight easy pages, very clear and complete.

2026 Primary Polling Places

Here's information on all the polling places in McHenry County, Illinois, for the 2026 General Primary Election, on March 17th, 2026.

McHenry County Precinct Viewer & District Map

Find your precincts and districts fast!

Be a Board Reporter

Board Reporters are our eyes and ears.