HOw to Vote
❋
Illinois General Election Day: November 3, 2026
Am I Registered?
❋ You may already be registered to vote — and not know it.
In Illinois, when you go to the DMV to get or renew your driver's license or state ID, the state automatically registers you to vote at the same time. You don't have to fill out a separate form or take any extra steps. This is called Automatic Voter Registration (AVR).
If you're a U.S. citizen, 18 or older, and you've visited the DMV recently, there's a good chance you're already registered.
One important thing to know: Only U.S. citizens can vote in Illinois state and federal elections. AVR does not change who is eligible — it just makes the process easier for those who are.
Tell someone you know. Many people in our community don't realize they're registered. Share this page with a family member, coworker, or neighbor and encourage them to create a voting plan. The more of us that vote, the stronger our voice.❋ Already Registered?
MIssed the Deadline?
❋ Illinois allows Same Day Registration:
Illinois allows Same Day Registration, which means you can register and cast your ballot on the same day — even on Election Day itself. Go to your local election authority or an early voting site, bring a valid ID and proof of your current address, and you can register and vote right then and there.
An Illinois driver's license or state ID with your current address
AND
A government-issued photo ID plus a document showing your current address — such as a utility bill, bank statement, or paycheck
❋ What counts as proof of address:
Register to vote
U.S. citizen
Illinois resident
18 years old by Election Day
An important note for DACA recipients: DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status does not make you eligible to vote in Illinois state or federal elections. Only U.S. citizens may vote. If you have questions about your eligibility, contact a trusted immigration legal services provider before registering.
❋ Who is eligible to vote:
Online: Registration is open now. Online registration closes at 11:59 PM on October 18, 2026. It reopens November 5 — but if you miss the deadline, same-day registration is still available at your polling place through Election Day.
By mail: Download and mail the Illinois Voter Registration Application. Must be postmarked 28 days before the election. Scroll down for more info.
In person: Register at your local election authority, a driver's license facility, or with a deputy registrar in your community.
Same day: Register at your polling place or early voting site through Election Day (see above).
❋ How to Register:
Where do i vote?
❋ Your polling place is assigned based on your home address and may change from election to election — always confirm before Election Day.
Illinois General Election Day: November 3, 2026
Election Day hours: Polls are open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Know your rights: If you are in line at 7:00 pm, you have the right to stay in line and vote. Do not let anyone turn you away.
Early Voting
You do not need a reason to vote early in Illinois. This is called no-excuse early voting, and it means anyone can vote before Election Day — no explanation required.
Early voting typically begins 40 days before the election at locations across your county. Hours and locations vary by county.
❋ No-excuse early voting:
❋ Early voting is a great option if you have a busy schedule on Election Day, want to avoid long lines, or simply prefer the flexibility of choosing your own time.
Vote by mail
Request and return your mail-in ballot as early as possible!
By mail: Allow enough time for it to arrive — don't wait until the last day
By drop box: Many counties have secure drop boxes available — find yours at your county election authority's website
In person: Deliver it to your local election authority or polling place on Election Day
❋ How to request your ballot:
Read all instructions carefully before marking your ballot
Use a black or blue pen
Sign and seal the return envelope exactly as instructed — an unsigned envelope will not be counted
❋ How to fill out your ballot correctly:
Request online, by mail, or in person at your local election authority
Deadline to request: 5 days before the election
❋ How to return your mail-in ballot:
If you requested a mail-in ballot but want to vote in person instead— whether for timing reasons or to change your vote — just bring your mail ballot to any polling place or early voting site and surrender it. You'll be able to vote in person on the spot.
❋ If you change your mind:
Important voting Dealines
Registering to Vote
| Date | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Oct 6, 2026 | Last day for paper (mail-in) voter registration — must be received by this date |
| Oct 7, 2026 | First day of grace period registration — register in person at your local election authority or early voting site through Election Day |
| Oct 18, 2026 | Last day for online voter registration — closes at 11:59 PM |
| Nov 3, 2026 | Same-day registration available at your polling place on Election Day |
Early Voting
| Date | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Sep 24, 2026 | First day of early voting — no excuse needed, vote at any early voting site |
| Nov 3, 2026 | Last day of early voting (Election Day) |
Voting by Mail
| Date | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Aug 5, 2026 | First day to request a vote-by-mail ballot |
| Sep 24, 2026 | First day ballots are mailed to applicants |
| Oct 29, 2026 | Last day election authority must receive your mail-in ballot request |
| Nov 2, 2026 | Last day to request an absentee ballot in person |
| Nov 3, 2026 | Voted mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Election Day |
| Nov 17, 2026 | Last day a postmarked (by Nov. 3) mail-in ballot can be received and still counted |
Election Day
| Date | Info |
|---|---|
| Nov 3, 2026 | Election Day — polls open 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. (If you are in line at 7:00 PM, you have the right to stay and vote.) |