Warning: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it's submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in Illinois.
Note - this information below may change for your state due to ongoing litigation and legislation. This page will be updated within 24 hours of any change.
You can vote early in your state before Election Day. Early voting begins on 02/08/2024 and ends on 03/18/2024
Early voting locations for Chicago's mayoral election can be found here. You may register to vote in person at early voting locations. Any voter in Chicago can vote at any Early Voting site throughout the city. It does not matter where you live in the city. Voters can choose whatever voting site is most convenient for them, including on Election Day!
Voting by mail is a two step process in Illinois. Step 1: Request your ballot NOW. The deadline for your application to be received is March 30th.
You don’t need an excuse to request an absentee ballot. You can vote by mail for any reason.
After you complete your ballot, sign the affidavit on the certification envelope. Be sure that your signature matches your signature on file with the state! If you registered online or at the DMV, check the signature on your license. If the signature does not match, your ballot could be tossed and will not count.
If voting-by-mail, ID is still not required but signature must match the signature on the voter registration form.
You must add a stamp when mailing in your ballot.
Return your ballot via commercial delivery services, such as FedEx or UPS (at your expense)
Any designated person can drop off a ballot for you. You must sign the affidavit on the ballot envelope affirming that authorization was given to deliver the ballot.
Look Up Ballot Drop Off LocationsIf you have an absentee ballot that you are not going to use, or you miss the deadline to return, you may go to your polling place and vote in person. You must submit your vote by mail ballot to the polling place's election judges, fill out an affidavit stating that you never received the vote by mail ballot, or if you received a vote by mail ballot but did not return it to the election authority, you will be eligible to vote provisionally.
The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition was formed to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process. Made up of more than 100 local, state and national partners, Election Protection works year-round to advance and defend the right to vote.
Call 866-OUR-VOTE if you need assistance.
Find your polling place, ID laws, and more about voting for the first time below.