Illinois voters have the chance to cast their ballots this year in races for Illinois governor, U.S. Senate, state comptroller, the Illinois General Assembly, the Chicago school board, municipal government and more.
But before anyone gets to cast that vote, they may need a guide to navigating the voter registration process. It’s the important first step in making anyone’s voice heard.
Who can vote in Illinois?
You must:
- Be a citizen of the United States.
- Be a resident of Illinois and of your precinct at least 30 days before the election.
- Be at least 18 years old on or before the next election.
- Cannot be serving a sentence in prison.
- Cannot be voting anywhere else.
How can I tell if I’m registered to vote?
Not sure if you’re already registered? The easiest way to see if you’ve registered to vote is by checking online. The Illinois State Board of Elections has an online tool Illinoisans can use. To check, you simply add in your name, date of birth and address. If you are already registered, it will tell you and you are good to go.
How do I register to vote in Illinois?
There are a couple routes you can take to register to vote, but must do so in a timely manner. Regular registration ends Oct. 6 this election cycle.
What do I need to register to vote?
Federal law requires some form of identification for first-time registration. Valid identification could include a state-issued ID or a copy of a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or another government document showing your name and address.
Illinois does not require a voter to declare a political party to vote in a General Election. Although the option exists to pick a party, it is not required.
You will be required to sign your voter registration card.
A person who is 17 may register to vote if they will turn 18 on or before Election Day.
How do I register online to vote?
Online registration is available until 16 days before the election on the Illinois State Board of Elections website. In order to register online, a person must have completed their registration by Oct. 18. When filling out the registration form, the voter will need to give some personal information such as their driver’s license, age, name and address.
How can I register by mail to vote?
To register by mail, you may print out this form from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and mail it to the Illinois State Board of Election at this address:
State Board of Elections
2329 S. MacArthur Blvd.
Springfield, IL 62704
You will be required to submit identification with your mail-in form. If you do not submit the necessary identification, you will be required to show it in person when you vote, and you will not be eligible to vote by mail.
Additionally, mail-in registration forms must be postmarked no later than 28 days before Election Day.
How do I register in person to vote?
If you miss the online or mail-in voter registration windows, you may also register in person during the “grace period” starting Oct. 7 and extending through Election Day, Nov. 3.
Each county has designated locations where a person can register to vote. It is best to check out your local county clerk’s website or call their office to find a place near you. Typically, in addition to the county clerk’s office, you can register in-person at city and village offices, public libraries, and locations that are set up as permeant and temporary voting locations.
The post How do I register to vote in Illinois? appeared first on Illinois Policy.
