Comprehensive Guide to Voting in the Illinois General Election

Illinois General Election Details

On November 3, Illinois voters will have the opportunity to decide federal, state, and local races. Early voting options vary by location:

• Starts September 24 in counties including DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will.
• Begins October 1 for Chicago at specified locations.
• Commences October 7 in suburban Cook County.

Governor JB Pritzker, aiming for a rare third term, faces Republican Darren Bailey. Pritzker could be the first Democrat in Illinois to achieve three terms. The previous governor to serve three terms was Republican Jim Thompson.

Mail-in Ballot Developments

Since March’s primary election, President Trump has criticized mail-in voting. Mail-in ballots are generally more common among Democrats. Trump’s executive order aimed to modify mail voting processes, but the Supreme Court eventually overturned it. Illinois joined other states in court challenges, ensuring the Postal Service continues regular mail-in ballot operations.

Midterm Election Key Details

Midterm elections in Illinois will occur on November 3, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Races to be Decided

• U.S. Senate
• U.S. House
• Governor and Lieutenant Governor
• Attorney General
• Secretary of State
• Comptroller
• Treasurer
• Illinois House
• Illinois Senate
• School Board
• Judicial and County Offices

Important Dates

• August 5: Request mail-in ballot begins.
• September 24: Early voting starts in several counties.
• October 1: Early voting starts in Chicago at select locations.
• October 6: End of regular voter registration.
• October 7: Early voting starts in suburban Cook, with same-day registration options.
• October 18: Last day for online voter registration.
• October 19: Early voting in all 50 Chicago wards begins.
• October 29: Final date to request a mail-in ballot.
• November 3: Election Day.

Voter Eligibility and Registration

To vote in the Illinois election, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be at least 18 years old by the election date.
• Reside in the precinct for at least 30 days prior.

Check your registration status here.

Registration Process

Registration options include online, in-person, or by mail. Mail forms with ID copies to the state board or your local election authority by October 6.

For online registration, complete the form on the state’s website by October 18. In-person registration requires two pieces of identification.

Relocation and Voting

If you’ve recently moved within Illinois, update your voter registration online. For moves over 30 days before the election, vote at your new precinct. For recent relocations under 30 days, vote at the old precinct.

Voting Locations and Methods

Find your polling place using your address here.

In Chicago, voters can choose between paper ballots or touch-screen machines. Outside Chicago, use the state’s tool to identify available systems in your county.

Note the prohibition on public sharing of completed ballots to avoid legal issues. Use drop boxes or mail for completed ballots, but don’t attempt submission at polling places.

Vote by Mail Options

Mail-in voting applications are available here. If opting for in-person early voting after obtaining a mail-in ballot, present your mail-in ballot for cancellation.

Chicago Early Voting Locations

Beginning October 1, early voting is available at two main Chicago locations. The option expands to ward polling places on October 19.

Chicago offers multilingual voting options. Use the board’s call center for any inquiries at 312-269-7900.

Sample Ballots and Voting Outside Chicago

Check your sample ballot through the Chicago Board of Elections lookup tool.

For those outside Chicago, contact local election authorities for mail and early voting information.

Votes cast during early voting are counted after polls close on November 3.