ILLINOIS VOTING F. A. Q.
Am I registered to vote?
You can check your registration status on the state’s Registration Lookup website. If you’re registered, the website will provide your polling location.
How do I register to vote?
You will need two forms of acceptable ID, including at least one document with your current address and one with your photo.
- Acceptable forms of ID
include:
- Driver’s License
- State Identification Card
- Passport
- Current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck stub, or other government documents that show your name and current address.
Before February 19th – You may register to vote at the following locations: county clerk's office, board of election commissioner offices, city and village offices, township offices, schools, public libraries, military recruitment centers.
After February 19th – You may register to vote in person only at the time you vote, at select locations in your county. You can find these locations on your county’s election website.
In addition, until March 1st, you may use this online application to register to vote.
You can also register to vote on Election Day, March 17th. However, you can only do so in your home precinct. The same ID requirements apply.
*Although the traditional voter registration period closes 28 days prior to the election, Illinois residents may register in person at the office of their election authority during the “grace period” which runs from February 19th to March 17th.
Do I have to be registered with a political party to vote in the primary?
No. Illinois has what is known as an open primary. You do not need to be registered with a political party. However, at the polling location, you will need to tell a poll worker which party’s ballot you would like. Note: You can only choose one.
Once registered, can I vote early?
Yes. Early voting in most of Illinois begins March 2nd and ends March 16th. You can find early voting locations, hours and specific dates here.
Can I vote by mail?
Voting by mail requires an application. In order to complete a ballot and mail it for the primary, you must complete the application by March 12th. For those who have completed their application and received a ballot, mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day, March 17th, and must be received within 14 days of the election. Click here for more information.
Chicago Mail Ballot Application
Cook County Mail Ballot Application
Where is my polling place?
You can find the location of your polling place on the Registration Lookup website, or on your county’s website. If you’ve moved since the last election, make sure to re-register listing your new address.
Do I need an ID to vote?
- It depends. You will need to present a government-issued photo ID if:
- You registered between February 19th and March 17th.
- You are a new voter who has registered by mail and have not previously supplied the Election Board with appropriate ID.
What time are the polls open in Illinois on Primary Election Day?
Polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Telephone help lines:
For more information you can call the Illinois State Board of Elections at their Springfield or Chicago offices.
Springfield Office: (217) 782-4141 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Chicago Office: (312) 814-6485 Monday - Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
For whom should I vote?
The Better Government Association is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. We do not endorse or recommend candidates. We encourage you to research candidates and be an informed voter.
In addition to the well-covered presidential election and other countywide races, there are 37 judicial vacancies on the ballot this year, including a State Supreme Court seat and two Appellate Court seats. You can learn more about the judicial primary elections by using the Check Your Judges guide provided by Injustice Watch.