How to vote in my state
Illinois
Last updated: September 13, 2023
Upcoming Election Dates and Registration Deadlines
Helpful Resources
Register
to vote
Check if you are registered
What's on your
ballot
Mail-In Voting
You do not need a reason or excuse to vote by mail in Illinois—anyone can request an mail-in ballot, but you must apply. Your application must be received by mail no later than 5 days before the election, or one day before the election if you apply in person. Absentee ballots are available starting 40 days before an election, and your ballot must be postmarked the day before Election Day and be received within 14 days of Election Day.
See details of absentee voting and download the application here
Early Voting
Early voting is available 40 days prior to Election Day and closes the day before Election Day. You must check with your local election authority as to where to vote early.
What to Expect
on Election Day
On Election Day, polls are open from 6 AM to 7 PM.
Voter ID Requirements
ID is not required to vote at the polls, although you will be required to verify your signature. If you registered to vote-by-mail and did not submit any ID with the registration, you must show a form of ID to vote.
Acceptable forms are:
- A current and valid photo ID
- Utility bill
- Bank statement
- Government check
- Paycheck
- Lease or contract for residence
- Student ID and mail addressed to voter’s residence
- Government document
Language Access
Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act requires certain jurisdictions to provide in-language voting materials in areas with a significant number of limited English proficient voters.
Areas in Illinois covered by Section 203 (AANHPI Languages):
Section 208
Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act states that, “Any voter who requires assistance to vote by reason of blindness, disability, or inability to read or write may be given assistance by a person of the voter’s choice, other than the voter’s employer or agent of the employer or office or agent of the voter’s union.”
It is your right to bring your own interpreter to the polls, if you so choose.
Have questions or need help voting?
Call 1-888-API-VOTE (1-888-274-8683).
Bilingual assistance is available in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Urdu, Hindi, and Bengali. Click here for more information.
