Registering to Vote in Illinois

TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN ILLINOIS YOU NEED TO:

  • Be a United States Citizen.
  • Be a resident of the jurisdiction at least 30 days prior to the election.
  • Be 18 before the next general election (17 year olds can register and vote in the primary if they will be 18 before the Election Day).

That’s it! You can vote in Illinois regardless of previous criminal history, or if you’re lacking certain identification like a driver’s license.

Information on Voting in Illinois

1. If You Are Not Currently Registered:

A.If You Are Not Currently Registered:

A.
  • Find out more about registering to vote from the Illinois Election Authority.
  • If you don’t have a driver’s license or other state ID, find other documents you can use to register here.

2. Registration Options:

A.Registration Options:

A.

Illinois offers three different options for registering to vote.

REGISTER ONLINE:

  • Online registration is available until 16 days before the Election.
  • You must have a state issued ID to register online.
  • Register online here,

REGISTER BY MAIL:

IN PERSON REGISTRATION: 

  • Available throughout the election cycle, and available in at least one location of every county the day of the Election.
  • The locations available to register can change depending on the proximity to the election when you register to vote. Find out more information in the Registration Deadlines Section.
  • Find out more from your local election authority.

3. Registration Deadlines:

A.Registration Deadlines:

A.

In Illinois, you can register as late as Election Day. Here are some ways to register:

NORMAL REGISTRATION PERIOD: ends 27 days before the election and begins two days after the election

GRACE PERIOD REGISTRATION: end of the normal registration period until two days before the election

  • You can register at your county’s election office, or the Chicago Board of Elections, if you live in Chicago. Research where you can register in your county during this period. A list of locations can be found here.

ELECTION DAY REGISTRATION: select locations in your county

  • On Election Day each county is required to have at least one location where you can register. Check with your local election authority about what locations offer Election Day Registration.

4. Need to Check Your Registration or Need to Change Your Address:

A.Need to Check Your Registration or Need to Change Your Address:

A.

ARE YOU REGISTERED? CHECK HERE 

Even if you  think you are registered to vote, check to make sure your registration has not been mistakenly removed without your knowledge.

If you encounter problems with your registration contact the Illinois State Board of Elections. 

Need to change your registered address? Find more information here.