Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:27 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:06 a.m. UTC
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Summary
Illinois allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. Illinois offers early voting.
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Who can register to vote?
To register in Illinois you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be a resident of Illinois and of your election precinct at least 30 days before the next election
- be 18 years old to vote in a Consolidated or General Election or 17 years old to vote in a Consolidated Primary or General Primary Election if you will be 18 by the time of the Consolidated or General Election
- cannot be serving a sentence of confinement in any penal institution as a result of conviction of any crime
- not claim the right to vote anywhere else
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on Illinois's site.
Can I vote early?
- Yes, Illinois does offer early voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
If you've voted in Illinois before, you don't need to provide ID to vote.
If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail, and didn't provide your driver's license number, state ID number, last 4 digits of your Social Security number, or a copy of a current ID or government document that shows your name and address when you registered, you'll need to provide one of these when you vote. You will be required to provide one of the following:
- copy of a current and valid photo identification
- copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, student ID and either a residential contract/lease or any postmarked mail delivered to your current residence address or other government document that shows your name and address
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. After voting provisionally, you will be told how to submit additional proof of registration to the election authority. The additional information must be received by the election authority no later than the close of business on the seventh day following the election.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
Illinois doesn't offer ballot tracking.
Can I vote early?
Yes, Illinois does offer early voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
If you've voted in Illinois before, you don't need to provide ID to vote.
If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail, and didn't provide your driver's license number, state ID number, last 4 digits of your Social Security number, or a copy of a current ID or government document that shows your name and address when you registered, you'll need to provide one of these when you vote. You will be required to provide one of the following:
- copy of a current and valid photo identification
- copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, student ID and either a residential contract/lease or any postmarked mail delivered to your current residence address or other government document that shows your name and address
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. After voting provisionally, you will be told how to submit additional proof of registration to the election authority. The additional information must be received by the election authority no later than the close of business on the seventh day following the election.
How do I vote by mail?
In Illinois, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your local election authority.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election authority.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
Illinois doesn't offer ballot tracking.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Illinois does offer in person registration on Election Day.
How do I see what's on my ballot?
Learn more about what will be on your ballot by visiting Ballotpedia.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election authority for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election authority may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election authority.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election authority.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election authority first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election authority.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Illinois. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Illinois's voter registration lookup tool.
How do I contact my state election office?
Which election office should I contact?
- In Illinois, your local election authority runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The State Board of Elections oversees elections and election administration in Illinois. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election authority.