Illinois voter registration guide
- Register to vote (online): 16 days before Election Day
- Register to vote (by mail): Postmarked by 28 days before Election Day
- Register to vote (in person): Election Day
- If you can't remember if you're registered to vote, or you want to make sure your information is correct, you can check your Illinois registration using the Illinois voter registration lookup site.
- If you're not registered to vote, or you need to update your voter registration information, follow the instructions below.
To register in Illinois you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be a resident of Illinois and of your election precinct for at least 30 days before Election Day
- be 18 years old by Election Day (if you are 17, you may vote in a primary if you will turn 18 by the General Election)
- not be currently incarcerated for a felony
- not claim the right to vote anywhere else.
You can register online if you have an Indiana driver’s license or non-driver ID card.
- Visit the Illinois online voter registration site.
- Fill out all the required fields.
- You will be registered to vote as soon as you finish the workflow.
- You should receive your voter registration card in the mail within 2-3 weeks. If not, you might want to follow up with your local election office.
- The deadline to register to vote online is 16 days before Election Day.
- Download and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
- Box 6 - ID Number: Illinois requires either the Driver’s License (or Secretary of State ID Card) or the last 4 digits of Social Security Number. For people who do not have either of those items, and have not registered in Illinois before, a mail in registration form should be accompanied by a copy of other identifying information: you must send, with this application, either (i) a copy of a current and valid photo identification, or (ii) a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter. If you do not provide the information required above, then you will be required to provide election officials with one of the items described above the first time you vote at a voting place.
- Box 7 - Choice of Party: Party registration or preference is not required for voter registration. However, when you apply for a primary ballot, you must indicate your party preference for that election unless you only wish to vote on public questions.
- Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank.
- Print, date, and sign the form. If you do not have a printer, you can print the form out at any local library. If you do not have a stamp, you can buy one from any grocery store: just ask the cashier to sell you one.
- Mail your voter registration form to the mailing address below. For faster delivery, send the form directly to your local election office.
- Your voter registration form must be postmarked by 28 days before Election Day.
- Contact your local election office to find where to register to vote in person.
Bring your driver's license or state ID card with you. If you don't have one, bring one photo ID issued by any state or the Federal Government, and bring one document that shows your name and current address. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, residential lease, vehicle registration card, Social Security or Medicaid card, insurance card, credit or debit card, or any other government document that shows your name and address.
- Summary: Illinois has same day registration. You can register and vote during the early voting period and on Election Day.
- Where to go:
Go to your designated voting location. Click here to find where to vote.
- What to bring:
Bring your driver's license or state ID card with you. If you don't have one, bring one photo ID issued by any state or the Federal Government, and bring one document that shows your name and current address. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, residential lease, vehicle registration card, Social Security or Medicaid card, insurance card, credit or debit card, or any other government document that shows your name and address.
- Need help? Contact your local election office if you have questions.
- Notes: Illinois calls Same Day Registration "grace period registration."
Voting rights are immediately restored when you are released from prison. You can register to vote on probation or parole.
- You cannot vote while incarcerated.
- You can vote while on parole.
- You can vote while on probation.
- You can vote upon completion of your sentence.
- No financial obligations.
- Please visit Restore Your Vote for additional information.
Local election office
Contact your local election office if you have questions.
Statewide election office
This is the statewide agency that is ultimately responsible for Illinois elections. You can contact them with questions, but your local election office will probably respond faster.
State Board of Elections 2329 S. MacArthur Boulevard Springfield, IL 62704