Where can I obtain an absentee ballot?

Voters must apply for an absentee ballot. Application is made to the election authority (county clerk or board of election commissioners) in the jurisdiction where the voter is registered. (EXAMPLE: a voter who is registered in Quincy would contact the Adams County Clerk; a voter registered in the City of Chicago would contact the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners). In-person absentee voting is conducted at the office of the county clerk or board of election commissioners. Qualified municipal, township and road district clerks, may also conduct in-person absentee voting. Inquire about absentee voting with your local election authority.

When can I vote by absentee ballot?

Absentee voting begins 40 days before an election. For individuals making application by mail, the last day to request an absentee ballot is five days before the election. An individual may vote in-person up to and including the day before the election. General information regarding absentee voting can be obtained from your election authority or from the Absentee Voting Pamphlet.

I have changed residence since I registered. Am I still registered?

A voter who is registered at an address in an election jurisdiction (county or city board of election commissioners) who subsequently moves to another address in the same jurisdiction may vote for federal offices only, but must change his/her registration before the next election. After changing his/her registration, this voter may vote in local elections or sign nominating petitions. To avoid the possibility of being denied a ballot at a local election, voters should transfer registration immediately after moving from one address to another. (Exception is made to allow a voter who moved after registration closes to vote at his/her old polling place at the next election only. To vote at subsequent elections, the voter must transfer his/her registration). A voter who is registered in one jurisdiction and moves to another (EXAMPLE: is registered in Chicago and moves to DuPage County) is no longer registered. Please contact the election authority in the jurisdiction in which you reside for further information.

How do I register to vote?

Contact your local election authority. An address, telephone number,and in some instances an e-mail address is provided. For general information regarding voter registration, see the Registering to Vote in Illinois (pamphlet). You may register to vote by mail. Send your name and address to your local election authority or complete a downloadable voter registration application. Mail the completed application to your local election authority ;or to the State Board of Elections, Post Office Box 4187, Springfield, Illinois, 62708.

When does registration close in Illinois?

Regular registration is closed during the 27 days prior to any regular election. Grace period registration is closed during the 14 days prior to any regular election.

How do I know if I am registered to vote?

Contact your local election authority. An address, telephone number,and in some instances an e-mail address is provided.

Where do I vote?

Contact your local election authority. An address, telephone number,and in some instances an e-mail address is provided.

I lost my voter registration card; how do I get another one?

Contact your local election authority. An address, telephone number,and in some instances an e-mail address is provided.

I changed my name; can I still vote?

Any registered voter who changes his or her name by marriage or otherwise is required to re-register and authorize the cancellation of the previous registration; however, if the voter still resides in the same precinct he/she can, if otherwise qualified, vote upon completing and signing an affidavit at the polling place attesting that the voter is the same person who is registered to vote under his or her former name. The affidavit will be treated by the election authority as authorization to cancel the registration under the former name, and the election authority will register the person under his or her current name.

I am in the US military. Can I vote? Can my wife/husband vote?

Any member of the US Armed Forces, while on active duty and otherwise qualified to vote, may vote either in-person or by absentee ballot without being registered to vote in Illinois. The wife or husband of the military person and all dependent, voting age children can vote by absentee ballot without being registered to vote. However, in order to vote in-person on election day, the spouse or child must be registered to vote with the appropriate election authority. For more information, contact your local election authority. An address, telephone number,and in some instances an e-mail address is provided.

Who is my State Senator? State Representative? Congressman? US Senator for Illinois?

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