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Should I Vote by Mail or In Person?

The Prairie State allows any registered voter to use an absentee/vote-by-mail ballot, and also has a lengthy period of early voting. Voters will have to judge whether they can return their absentee/VBM ballot on time, and/or have an early voting plan as an alternative backup option.

To avoid possible postal delays impacting your vote, we recommend mailing your completed ballot back by Tuesday, October 13th. Plan to drop it off by hand after that.

If you are concerned about your absentee ballot returning on time through the mail, visit our other page to learn how to drop your ballot off in person.

Illinois Elections Website

Important Deadlines

Deadlines do not take into account the time it takes to send application requests to the state, then mail absentee ballots to the voter, and then returning completed absentee ballots to the state. Please be proactive in submitting applications and ballots three weeks prior to all posted deadlines to avoid being impacted by postal delays.

Voter Registration

Registering In Person: October 13, 2020, after which you may register during the early voting period through November 3, 2020

Registering By Mail: Postmarked October 6, 2020

Registering Online: October 18, 2020: Postmarked October 6, 2020

See if you can register here

To Request Absentee/Mail-in Ballots

Illinois is sending absentee/VBM ballot request forms to many voters, though you may choose to be proactive and request one yourself to be certain.

Request In Person: November 2, 2020

Request By Mail: Received October 29, 2020

Request Online: Received October 29, 2020 (Form must be sent to the completed application to the county clerk or board of election commissioners with jurisdiction over your voter registration.)

Request an Absentee Ballot here

When Absentee/Mail-in Ballots are Due

Ballots must be received fourteen days after the election if postmarked on or before November 3, 2020.

The ballots can be returned in person by the close of polls on Election Day.

Find your county's election authority here for more information.

We strongly recommend mailing your ballot much earlier (by October 13th) and, if that's not possible, dropping it off in person. Learn how below or on our other page.

Absentee/Vote by Mail Information

Note: Always read all of the instructions on or with your absentee/VBM ballot. This is a guide, but go by what the instructions say and follow them thoroughly. Your ballot may not be counted if you don't.

How Can I Request An Absentee/VBM Ballot?

Find the absentee ballot request form here.

Illinois is sending absentee/VBM ballot request forms to many voters, though you may choose to be proactive and request one yourself to be certain.

Do I Need an Excuse to Vote Absentee?

No.

How Can I Track My Absentee/VBM Ballot?

It depends. Some counties allow ballot tracking, so check with your local elections office. Make sure to get everything done and returned as early as possible just to be safe.

Do I Need a Notary or Witnesses to Sign my Ballot?

No.

Where Can I Return My Ballot In Person If I Choose?

To your county clerk or Board of Election Commissioners office by close of polls on Election Day.

Find the correct drop-off location here

Can Someone Else Return My Ballot on My Behalf?

A person authorized by the voter may return an absentee ballot.

If the ballot is from a physically incapacitated elector, an employee or person under the direction of the facility in which the voter is located may deliver to the ballot.

There is an authorization on the ballot envelope naming and authorizing another person to return the ballot.

Early Voting (In Person) Information

First & Last Days of Early Voting

On or before September 24th to November 2nd.

Permanent early voting locations must remain open from the fifteenth day before an election during the hours of 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM or 9 AM - 5 PM on weekdays.

Beginning eight days before an election, they must remain open 8:30 AM - 7 PM or 9 AM - 7 PM on weekdays, 9 AM - Noon on Saturdays and holidays, and 10 AM - 4 PM on Sundays.

Permanent early voting locations must stay open at least 8 hours on any holiday and a total of at least 14 hours on the final weekend during the early voting period.

Election authorities may decide the days and hours for temporary early voting locations, beginning the fortieth day before an election.

Early Voting Locations

An election authority may establish permanent and temporary polling places for early voting at locations throughout the election authority’s jurisdiction, including but not limited to:

Municipal clerk’s office

Township clerk’s office

Road district clerk’s office

County or local public agency office

Early voting locations must be provided at public universities

Find the correct early voting locations for you here

Will I Need a Photo ID or Non-Photo ID to Vote?

No.

Election Day Voting Information

Can I Register to Vote on Election Day In Person?

You can also register in person (and vote) at your local elections office during the "grace period."

The grace period starts October 13, 2020 and ends on November 3, 2020.

Grace Period Voting does NOT take place at your regular polling place. Grace Period Voting almost always happens at your Local Election Office.

Contact your Local Election Office for more information.

Find My Polling Place

Find your polling place at this link

Polling Hours (all times local)

6am - 7pm

If you are in line when polls close, you are legally entitled to vote. Don't leave!

Will I Need a Photo ID or Non-Photo ID to Vote?

No.

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