How to vote in Illinois
You're a U.S. citizen? Then you vote like anyone else. Five questions, in the order you'll ask them. Every date links to the page I read it on.
Can I still register?
- Online: by .
- By mail: your form has to be postmarked by .
- In person: by .
Missed the deadline? You can still register and vote on the same day, during early voting and on Election Day.
After the regular deadline you can still register in person at your election authority's office under grace period registration, up to and on Election Day.
To register, or to check that you are registered, start at Illinois State Board of Elections.
Where the source gives a rule and not a day, I counted the day from it. In its words: “Registration is closed during the 27 days prior to an election. Individuals who miss the deadline may register or transfer their registration at the office of the election authority under the guidelines of grace period registration.” “In-person registration deadline: Available up to and including on Election Day”
Source: Illinois State Board of Elections; another page of it; vote.gov. Checked 12 October 2026.
Can I vote early?
Yes. Early voting in person ends .
Its first day: For this one, go by the state's own page: Illinois State Board of Elections.
Source: Illinois State Board of Elections. Checked 12 October 2026.
Can I vote by mail?
Who can vote by mail: For this one, go by the state's own page: Illinois State Board of Elections.
- Ask for your ballot: by .
- Send it back: your ballot has to be postmarked by .
Source: Illinois State Board of Elections. Checked 12 October 2026.
What do I bring?
For this one, go by the state's own page: Illinois State Board of Elections.
Where and when on 3 November?
Election Day is .
- Polls are open: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Where you vote: find your polling place through Illinois State Board of Elections.
Source: Illinois State Board of Elections. Checked 12 October 2026.
The last word
The state's election office has it, not me. If anything here differs from Illinois State Board of Elections, the state is right. I checked these pages on 12 October 2026, and rules can change after that.
I tell you how to vote. I never tell you who to vote for. See how the people who represent Illinois score on Iran, or see how Iranians in one district vote as one.
Not a citizen yet? Here is what your papers allow.