Every Vote
Matters.
Every Vote
Matters.
Every Vote
Matters.
Illinois
Voting Guide
Voter Registration Deadline: 28 days before Election Day for registration by mail and 16 days before Election Day for online registration.
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 election authority or check online for locations.
2022
Primary Election registration deadline (by mail): May 31
Primary Election registration deadline (online): June 12
Primary Election: June 28
General Election registration deadline (by mail): October 11
General Election registration deadline (online): October 23
General Election: November 8, 2022
Students have a decision about where to register to vote.
You have a right to register to vote at the address you consider the place where you live, whether that is your family's home or the place where you attend school. You should update your registration anytime this home address changes.
You may only be registered and vote in one location.
The Illinois online voter registration portal requires your Illinois driver's license or ID number
The Illinois paper 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. This type of documentation includes a student ID card, coupled with either a copy of your contract or lease for a residence, or any postmarked mail delivered to you at your current residence address.
Make a plan. Look up your voting site and hours at: https://ova.elections.il.gov/RegistrationLookup.aspx
By Mail
Any registered Illinois voter can vote by mail without an excuse
A mail-in ballot application can be submitted in-person, by mail or online. You must submit your absentee ballot application by mail no later than 5 days before the election.
You can return your completed mail-in ballot by mail, in-person at your local election authority's office, or at a designated drop box location. Completed mail-in 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.
You can find a list of drop box locations in your election jurisdiction at: https://www.elections.il.gov/VotingAndRegistrationSystems/VoteByMailBallotDropBoxLocations.aspx?T=637636656789293501
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.
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?
As a resident of Illinois, you may be required to obtain an Illinois driver’s license or update your car registration, regardless of whether you register to vote there. For more information, you may wish to contact the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles.