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VOTING IN ILLINOIS

Voter Eligibility - Who Can Vote?​

Under federal law, if you move within 30 days of a presidential election, you are allowed to vote for President and Vice President in your former state of residence, either in person or by absentee ballot.
  • Minimum Age To Vote: You can vote in a general primary if you are at least 17 and will be 18 as of the following general election.
  • Minimum Age To Register To Vote: To register, you must be at least 18 by Election Day.

To register to vote in the State of Illinois, an individual must meet the following qualifications:

  • Be a United States Citizen
  • Be at least 18 years of age by Election Day;
  • Be a resident of the precinct at least 30 days prior to Election Day.
  • Not be convicted and in jail
  • Not claim the right to vote anywhere else

Ways To Register To Vote​

By Mail​

Under federal law, citizens may apply to register to vote by mailing in an application. Mail or deliver this application to your County Clerk or Board of Election Comissioners no later than 28 days before the next election.

In Person​

Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during on Election Day. “Grace period registration” is from the 27th day prior to the election through Election Day. 10 ILCS 5/5-50

Online​

Online registration deadline is 16 days before Election Day

Same Day Voter Registration​

Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during on Election Day. “Grace period registration” is from the 27th day prior to the election through Election Day. 10 ILCS 5/5-50

How Do I Know I'm Registered?​

  • Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk.
  • Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment.
  • Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application.
  • https://ova.elections.il.gov/RegistrationLookup.aspx

Military and Overseas Citizens​

Other ways to register to vote​

Ways To Vote​

Voters have the following 3 Options to vote:

Early Voting​

Registered voters may cast a ballot prior to Election Day without having to provide a reason for wanting to vote early.

Voting In Person at the Polls​

Polling places are open from 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. Voters wishing to cast their ballot on Election Day can do so in their designated polling place, or at a vote center designated by their election authority.

Voting By Mail​

Any qualified elector of the State of Illinois who is properly registered to vote may apply for a vote by mail ballot. Voting by mail is an option for voters to cast their ballot prior to Election Day. Voters can request a vote by mail ballot through the mail or in person.

Voter Identification​

  • Voter Identification Law Enacted? NO

Any of the following IDs may be used:​

  • A current and valid photo identification
  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Government check
  • Paycheck
  • Lease or contract for residence
  • Student ID and mail addressed to voter's residence
  • Government document

First Time Voters​

  • If you register by mail, you must vote in person the first time, either at the polling place, in-person absentee or early voting, unless you submit with your mail-in registration form your driver license number or state ID number, the last four digits of your social security number, or one of the forms of ID listed below. Voters voting under the provisions of UOCAVA and the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act do not have to vote in person for the first time after having registered by mail.

Illinois has NO voter identification Law enacted​

  • If you are registered to vote in Illinois, you do not need to show ID to get your ballot. However, Two forms of identification with at least one showing your current residence address are needed when you register in-person. If you register by mail, sufficient proof of identity is required by submission of your driver's license number or State identification card number.

Voter Information Lookup​

  • Voter Information Lookup Tool​

  • Use this tool to:​

    • Check your Voter Registration Status
    • Check where you are registered to vote
    • Check your political party preference
    • Check your Polling Place Location
    • View Your Sample Ballot
    • Check Absentee Application and Ballot Status
    • Find contact information for your county elections office.