THE UNFUCKENING COMETH

September 1, 2020

Unfuck Illinois

Illinois Voter Information

Illinois voter registration

First thing’s first, let’s check if you’re registered to vote. Once you’ve filled out this form, scroll down for instructions on how to register or vote if you’re already registered.

Illinois voter registration

Voter registration deadlines

  • In Person: 27 days before Election Day, after which you may register during the early voting period through Election Day.
  • By Mail: Postmarked 28 days before Election Day.
  • Online: 16 days before Election Day.

Election day registration

You can also register in person (and vote) at your local elections office during the “grace period.” The grace period starts 27 days before Election Day and ends on Election Day. Grace Period Voting does NOT take place at your regular polling place. Grace Period Voting almost always happens at your Local Election Office. Contact your Local Election Office for more information.

Voter registration rules

To register in Illinois you must:

  • be a citizen of the United States
  • be a resident of Illinois and of your election precinct at least 30 days before the next election
  • be at least 18 years old on or before the next election
  • not be in jail for a felony conviction (but you can vote if you have completed your sentence)
  • not claim the right to vote anywhere else

How to register to vote in Illinois

  1. Use our Register to Vote Tool to fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Sign and date your form. This is very important!
  3. Mail or hand-deliver your completed form to the address we provide.
  4. Make sure you register before the voter registration deadline.

Registering with felony status

If you have been convicted of a felony and have questions about whether you can register to vote, visit Restore Your Vote to determine your eligibility.

Illinois absentee ballots

Absentee ballot application deadlines

  • In Person: Received 1 day before Election Day.
  • By Mail: Received 5 days before Election Day.
  • Online: Received 5 days before Election Day.

Voted absentee ballots are due

Postmarked by Election Day and received by 14 days after Election Day.

Absentee ballot rules

Any registered Illinois voter may apply for an absentee ballot and vote by mail.

How to get an absentee ballot in Illinois

  1. Use our Absentee Ballot Tool to prepare your application.
  2. Sign and date the form. This is very important!
  3. Return your completed application to your Local Election Office as soon as possible. We’ll provide the mailing address for you.
  4. All Local Election Offices will accept mailed or hand-delivered forms. If it’s close to the deadline, call and see if your Local Election Office will let you fax or email the application.
  5. Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.
  6. Please contact your Local Election Office if you have any further questions about the exact process.

Once you get your absentee ballot in Illinois

  • Once you receive the ballot, carefully read and follow the instructions.
  • Sign and date where indicated.
  • Mail your voted ballot back to the address indicated on the return envelope.
  • Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.

illinois early voting

Early voting starts in Illinois

40 days before the election.

Early voting ends in Illinois

The day before the election.

Illinois voter ID

In-person voter ID requirements

If you’ve voted in Illinois before or provided ID at the time of mail-in registration, you don’t need to show ID to vote.

If you’re voting in Illinois for the first time, registered to vote by mail, and didn’t provide your driver’s license number, state ID number, last 4 digits of your Social Security number, a copy of a current and valid photo ID, a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government documentation that shows your name and address, or student ID with (i) a copy of your lease, or (ii) postmarked mail at current residence, you’ll need to provide one of these when you vote in person during early voting or on Election Day.

Absentee voter ID requirements

If you’ve voted in Illinois before or provided ID at the time of registration, you don’t need to provide ID to vote by mail. If you are voting by mail ballot for the first time and have not previously provided ID, you must provide a copy of one of the following documents with your absentee ballot:

  • Current and valid photo ID
  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Government check
  • Paycheck
  • Government document with the voter’s name and address
  • Student ID with (i) a copy of your lease or (ii) postmarked mail at current residence
Menu