How to Vote in Illinois

Find out everything you need to know about how to vote in Illinois in 2020.

What Are My Voting Options?

In-Person Early Vote in-person, usually during a two to three week period before Election Day.
Drop Off Your Ballot Complete your absentee ballot at home and drop it at an official location.
Mail In Your Ballot Complete your absentee ballot at home and mail it in.
In-Person on Election Day Vote in-person on Tuesday, Nov. 3rd.

NOTE: Information about polling locations, ballot drop boxes and more is being updated and added daily. Sign up for state specific updates and reminders to stay informed about your voting options and rights.

Upcoming Elections and Deadlines in Illinois

Statewide & Federal
Local

*Data provided by U.S. Vote Foundation

In-Person Early

Vote in-person, usually during a two to three week period before Election Day.

When Can I Vote Early?

Who Can Vote Early?

Voters do not need an excuse to vote early/in-person absentee.

Where can I go to vote early?

Find your voting location options here. Data is still being made available across states – if you don't see voting locations yet for your address, check back in a few days!

What do I need to bring to vote early?

ID is not required to vote in Illinois. However, if you are registering to vote during Grace Period registration, you must provide two forms of ID. If you are a first-time voter who registered by mail and didn't provide a copy of your ID or your social security number, you must present ID (showing your name and address) at the polls. Valid forms of ID include:
- 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
- Other government document

If you are required to show ID at the polls but do not bring it, you can vote a provisional ballot and submit additional information to the election authority later. The additional information must be received by the election authority no later than the close of business on the Tuesday following the election. The election authority has 14 days following the election to determine voter eligibility, and thus if the ballot should be counted. The provisional voter may find out if their ballot was counted, or if it was not counted, the reason that it was not counted. If the ballot is not counted, the provisional voter affidavit will be used as a registration application and the voter will be sent a voters registration ID card.

Additional Resources

If you apply for a mail ballot but decide to vote in person instead, you should bring your blank mail ballot with you to the polling place (though you will still be able to vote without it by signing an affidavit).

For more information, contact your local election official.

Drop Off Your Ballot

Complete your absentee ballot at home and drop it off at an official location.

Does my state allow absentee ballot dropoff?

Yes

Who is eligible to vote absentee?

Voters do not need an excuse to vote absentee/by-mail in Illinois.

How do I request a ballot?

Request a ballot here.

What are the deadlines to request and drop off a ballot?

Absentee ballot rules are continuing to change due to COVID-19. Make sure to return your ballot as soon as possible – don't wait until the deadline if you can return it earlier!

Where can I drop it off?

Find your voting location options here. Data is still being made available across states – if you don't see voting locations yet for your address, check back in a few days!

Additional Information

If you apply for a mail ballot, but decide to vote in person instead, you should bring your blank mail ballot with you to the polling place (though you will still be able to vote without it by signing an affidavit).

You may also authorize another person to return your ballot if you sign an affidavit on the ballot envelope affirming you’ve authorized the person to deliver your ballot.

For more information, contact your local election official.

Mail In Your Ballot

Complete your absentee ballot at home and mail it in.

Who can request a mail ballot?

Voters do not need an excuse to vote absentee/by-mail in Illinois.

How do I request a mail ballot?

Request a ballot here.

When are the deadlines to request and mail a ballot?

Absentee ballot rules are continuing to change due to COVID-19. Make sure to return your ballot as soon as possible – don't wait until the deadline if you can return it earlier!

Additional Information

For more information, contact your local election official.

If you apply for a mail ballot but decide to vote in person instead, you should bring your blank mail ballot with you to the polling place (though you will still be able to vote without it by signing an affidavit).

In addition, Illinois allows voters to drop off their absentee/mail-in ballot. Find out more here.

You may also authorize another person to return your ballot if you sign an affidavit on the ballot envelope affirming you’ve authorized the person to deliver your ballot.

In-Person on Election Day

Vote in-person on Tuesday, Nov. 3rd.

Where do I vote?

Find your voting location options here. Data is still being made available across states – if you don't see voting locations yet for your address, check back in a few days!

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

If you’re eligible to vote in Illinois but have not yet registered, you can register and vote during Grace Period registration, which begins on the 27th day before the election. You can register during the Grace Period at the office of the election authority or at a permanent polling place established by the election authority. You can also register at any early voting location beginning 15 days before the election, at some polling places on Election Day, or at another specially-designated location.

What do I need to bring to vote?

Additional Information

If you apply for a mail ballot but decide to vote in person instead, you should bring your blank mail ballot with you to the polling place (though you will still be able to vote without it by signing an affidavit). For more information, contact your local election official.

Additional Illinois Resources

Who Can Register in Illinois

To register to vote in Illinois, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Live in your election precinct for at least 30 days prior to Election Day
- Be at least 17 years old by the Primary Election and turn 18 by the General or Consolidated Election
- Not be serving a sentence of confinement in any penal institution as a result of a conviction
- Not claim the right to vote anywhere else

You must register to vote at least 28 days before the election you wish to vote in, or you can register during early voting or on Election Day (see more under “Election Day Registration”).

Pre-registration

You can pre-register to vote in Illinois if you if you will turn 17 by the next primary election and 18 by the next general election.

Voting Rights Restoration

Illinois does restore the right to vote once you are no longer serving a sentence of confinement in any penal institution as a result of a conviction.

If you have a past conviction, learn more about your eligibility to vote here.

ID Requirements

Your State Election Official

Illinois State Board of Elections Chair
Charles W. Scholz
https://www.elections.il.gov/
Phone number: 217.782.4141

Overseas & Military Voting

Voting As A Student

Voting For People With Disabilities

Learn more about voting in Illinois if you have a disability.

Voting For People With Convictions

If you have a past conviction, learn more about your eligibility to vote from Restore Your Vote.