Illinois | Voting Guide
Voting Guide
Illinois
Registration Deadlines and Election Dates
Voter Registration Deadline: 28 days before Election Day for registration by mail and 16 days before Election Day for online registration.
Note, a grace period registration is available in person at specific locations after the registration deadline and at some polling places on Election Day. Contact your local county clerk or check online for locations.
2020
General Election Registration Deadline: October 6 by mail or October 18 online but grace period registration available in person at specific locations through Election Day.
General Election: November 3
Official Election Websites
More election informationat https://www.elections.il.gov/Default.aspx
Online voter registrationavailable at ova.elections.il.gov/
Mail-in PDF voter registrationavailable at https://www.elections.il.gov/DocDisplay.aspx?Doc=/Downloads/VotingAndRegistrationSystems/PDF/R-19.pdf&MID=21
Register at School or Home
Students have a choice about where to register to vote.
Students attending college may register at their campus address or choose to remain registered or register at their permanent or home address.
You may only be registered and vote in one location.
What Type of ID Do I Need to Register?
The Illinois voter registration form asks for your Illinois driver’s license or ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Be sure to provide one of these numbers if you have it.
If you are registering to vote for the first time, are applying by mail, and do not have an ID number or Social Security number, you must submit a copy of a current and valid photo ID, or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and current address.
What Type of ID Do I Need to Vote?
You do not need any ID to vote early or on Election Day in Illinois. The only exception is for first-time mail-in registrants who failed to provide a driver’s license number, state ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number, or other accepted form of identification at the time of registration.
Where Do I Vote?
Make a plan. Look up your voting site and hours at: https://ova.elections.il.gov/RegistrationLookup.aspx
How Can I Vote?
2020
Deadline for absentee ballot applications to be received by local election authority by mail: October 29
Deadline for absentee ballot applications to be requested in person: November 2
By Mail
Any registered Illinois voter can vote absentee without an excuse.
Find your county’s absentee ballot application form at: https://www.elections.il.gov/VotingAndRegistrationSystems/VotingByMailMove.aspx
An absentee ballot application can be submitted in person or by mail. You must submit your absentee ballot application by mail no later than 5 days before the election or, if requesting it in person, 1 day before Election Day.
Absentee ballots must either be returned in person by the close of the polls on Election Day or be postmarked on or before Election Day and received no later than 14 days after Election Day.
Additional information about voting by mail is available at: https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/VotingByMail.aspx?MID=ELGeUv9wLSI%3d&T=637335074647513392
Early In-person
All voters may vote early in person without an excuse. Contact your local election authority to learn hours and which polling places have been designated for early voting in your county or check online at: https://www.elections.il.gov/VotingAndRegistrationSystems/EarlyVotingLocationsSearch.aspx?MID=A3RIOjKplz4%3d
Early voting takes place the 40th day before Election Day through the end of the day before Election Day.
Voters may vote at any early voting site established by the local election authority.
Election Day
Voting sites will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. If you are in line by the closing time, then you have a right to cast a ballot.
If you requested an absentee ballot you can still vote in person if you sign an affidavit stating you either never received your absentee ballot or that the election authority did not receive your ballot.
Common Questions/Concerns
Registering to Vote Does Not Affect Your:
Federal Financial Aid
Where you register to vote will not affect federal financial aid such as Pell Grants, Perkins or Stafford loans, or your dependency status for FAFSA.
Status as a Dependent on Your Parents’ Taxes
Being registered to vote at a different address from your parents does not prevent them from claiming you as a dependent on their taxes.
Tuition Status
Being deemed out-of-state for tuition purposes does not prevent you from choosing to register to vote in your campus community.
Will registering to vote in Illinois affect my driver’s license or car registration?
Only Illinois residents may participate in Illinois elections. As a resident of Illinois, you may be required to obtain an Illinois driver’s license or update your car registration. For more information, contact the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles.
Fair Elections Center and Campus Vote Project intend the information contained herein to be used only as a general guide. This document should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a licensed Illinois legal professional.
Last updated October 2020
