Tomorrow is Election Day and Illinoisans who did not vote early or by mail will be taking to the polls to cast their ballots for the candidates of their choice. We’ve put together some of most frequently asked questions to help voters navigate Election Day in Illinois.
What time can I vote on Election Day?
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.
Should the polls open late or have other operating issues, they may be ordered by the courts to remain open later.
Voters must be in line at the polling place before polls close to be permitted to cast a ballot.
Where is my Election Day polling place?
You can find your polling place on the State Board of Election website.
Do I need identification to vote?
It depends.
If you are a registered voter and have voted in previous Illinois elections your signature is typically all you need to vote on Election Day.
If you registered by mail you are required to vote in person for the first time. If you did not provide identification with your mail-in registration, you must provide two forms of ID, and one must include your current address, such as a utility bill.
If you plan to register to vote on election day you will be require to meet certain conditions and will need identification. See the next FAQ, “Can I register to vote on Election Day at my polling place?”
Can I register to vote on Election Day at my polling place?
Yes. You will need identification and must meet these requirements:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must be 18 years old to vote in a Consolidated General Election
- Must have been a resident of the precinct at least 30 days prior to Election Day.
You will also need to provide two forms of identification and one must include your current address. Accepted identification includes:
- A current and valid photo identification like a driver’s license or state ID
- Utility bill
- Bank statement
- Government check
- Paycheck
- Lease or contract for residence
- Student ID and mail addressed to the voter’s residence
- Government document
Where do I find out who is running for office or what measures will be on my ballot?
Sample ballots can be found on your county election authority website or the Illinois Voters Guide.
Can I bring written or printed material into the voting booth to help me remember who to vote for?
Yes. You are permitted to bring written and printed materials into the voting booth.
Can I get instruction on how to use the voting machines?
Yes. Any instruction that might be required should be given by a poll worker before you enter the voting booth and in view of the entire polling place. A specimen ballot, not the voter’s official ballot, must be used during instruction.
I have a vision impairment. Can I receive assistance in casting my vote?
Yes. Voters with specific disabilities may receive assistance in voting either from the election judges or from a person of the voter’s choice, as long as that person is not an employer, union official or candidate on the ballot. If the voter who needs assistance does not specify a person to assist them, then the voter can be assisted by two election judges, one from each political party. The voter and the assistant must complete a Affidavit of Assisted Voter.
I requested and received a ballot in the mail, but did not send it in. Can I vote in person at my polling place?
Yes, however you must bring the ballot that was mailed to you to the election site. If you do not bring your mailed ballot with you to the polls, you will only be able to vote using a provisional ballot.
I’m pretty sure I registered to vote. What if my name isn’t on the voter’s list in my precinct?
If your name is not on the registered voter list and you believe you registered to vote in your precinct, you have the right to vote on a provisional ballot. Your vote will count if election officials confirm your eligibility to vote. You can find out if your provisional ballot was tabulated on the State Board of Elections Provisional Ballot Search webpage.
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Read more:
How to cast your ballot in Tuesday’s election