The COVID-19 pandemic creates concern for many about voting in person on Election Day. Many states and municipalities are responding by creating greater access to voting by mail. In Illinois, opportunities to vote by mail have been expanded. This election it’s important that every voice gets heard at the ballot box.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VOTING BY MAIL THIS ELECTION
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VOTING AND REGISTERING IN ILLINOIS
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CHANGES TO THE 2020 ELECTION
FIND ELECTION DAY VOTING LOCATIONS
In Illinois, people previously involved in the criminal legal system are still able to vote. People with criminal records can still participate in elections as long as they are not currently serving time on a sentence and they meet all other qualifications. If you have been charged, arrested but not charged, in jail but not serving a sentence, or on probation, you are able to vote.
Voter Checklist:
- I have registered to vote or confirmed my registration status
- I have requested a mail in ballot or found my local polling location
- I researched my local races and ballot initiatives
- I have gotten a sample ballot from my local election authority
- I have researched the candidates - looked at candidates' websites, checked local news sources and virtual events sponsored by local groups to hear from the candidates directly
- I have encouraged my friends to register and make a plan to vote
- I know my rights when voting in Illinois
- I have mailed in my ballot or made a plan to vote in person
SHARE WHAT YOU'RE FIGHTING FOR
- LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST EPISODE TALKING LIBERTIES: VOTING IN THE 2020 Election
- Join us for our Vote Like Your Rights Depend On It: 2020 Election Series
- FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE WORK THE ACLU IS DOING ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Voting and Registration Deadlines for 2020:
SEPTEMBER 24 (date may vary) |
First day for EARLY VOTING for the General Election |
OCTOBER 6 |
Close of REGULAR REGISTRATION at Election Office |
OCTOBER 7 |
First day of GRACE PERIOD REGISTRATION |
OCTOBER 18 |
Close of ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION |
OCTOBER 29 |
Deadline to REQUEST A MAIL IN BALLOT |
NOVEMBER 2 |
Last day for EARLY VOTING |
NOVEMBER 3 |
ELECTION DAY and ELECTION DAY REGISTRATION |