Illinois

Registering to Vote

How do I register to vote for the first time?

You can register to vote in Illinois by using one of the following methods:

• Online: Register to vote by completing the application on the Illinois Online Voter Registration Application website.
• By mail: You may get a paper voter registration form by printing one out from the Illinois State Board of Elections website or picking up a paper form at your local elections office. Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll need to print it, sign it, and mail it.
• In person: Visit an office where elections are administered in your area and register there in person. You must register 28 before the election.
• On Election Day: Illinois has same-day voter registration. You’ll be able to complete a voter registration form at your polling place.

The paper application is available in English and Spanish. Online voter registration is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Hindi. 

You can also register to vote on BallotReady.org.

How do I update or change my voter registration?

The process of changing your voter registration is similar to registering to vote for the first time. You can update your voter registration online, by mail, in-person, or during same-day voter registration. You can also use BallotReady.org to check your voter registration status. 

Remember that the deadline to change your voter registration is 28 days before the election.

What ID do I need to register to vote?

The identification that you need to register to vote in Illinois varies based on the method of registration: 

Registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared with your Illinois Driver's License or Secretary of State ID. If you do not have a Driver's License or SOS ID, then you may provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number. If you do not have a SSN, then you will need to bring TWO forms of identification with at least one showing your current residence address. Accepted forms of identification include a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document that shows your name and address. For students an ID card issued by the school accompanied by a lease or any postmarked mail delivered will also be accepted (PICK TWO).

Registering to vote by mail

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 either (i) or (ii) described above the first time you vote at a voting place. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: a current and valid photo identification or a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. You may be exempt from this requirement if you submit a COPY of this identification with your mail in voter registration form.

Registering to vote online

You will need to provide your Illinois Drivers License or Illinois State ID number, date the license or ID was issued, the last four digits of your social security number and your birth date.

Registering to vote on Election Day or during early voting

Bring two forms of identification with at least one showing your current address. Any two of the following documents will be accepted: A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document that shows your name and address will be required. For students an ID card issued by the school accompanied by a lease or any postmarked mail delivered.

For more information on voting requirements for your state, make a plan to vote on BallotReady.org. 

How do I check my voter registration?

Residents of Illinois can check their voter registration status through the following methods:

• Online: Visit Illinois’s Voter Registration Lookup page.
• Election authority: For specific questions, you may be able to contact your local elections office, courthouse, or county elections office for more information on your voter registration status.

You can also check your voter registration on BallotReady.org. 

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

In Illinois, when registering online, in person, or by mail, you need to be registered to vote at least 28 days before an election to be eligible to cast a ballot. 

For the upcoming {{ next_election_name }}, your voter registration application must be:

• Mail: {{ deadline_voter_registration_mail }}
• Received in-person by: {{ deadline_voter_registration_in_person }}
• Submitted online by: {{ deadline_online_voter_registration }}

However, if you are unable to register by these deadlines, you may still register to vote at a polling place during early voting and on Election Day.

Sign up for BallotReady election deadline reminders via text or email.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Yes, Illinois has same-day voter registration. If you are unable to register by the online or mail deadline, you may register to vote at a polling place. You will be able to cast your ballot immediately after completing your voter registration.

Can I register to vote during early voting?

You may also register to vote and vote prior to Election Day. During the grace period, which starts 28 days prior to the election and lasts until Election Day, a person may register to vote and cast their ballot at designated locations in-person. For more information, visit Illinois’s Voting Before Election Day page.

Who is eligible to register to vote?

Illinois residents that fit the following criteria are eligible to register to vote:

• You must be a United States Citizen.
• You must be 17 years old on or before the date of the Primary Election and turn 18 on or before the date of the General or Consolidated Election.
• You must live in your election precinct at least 30 days prior to Election Day.
• You must not be serving a sentence of confinement in any penal institution as a result of a conviction.
• You may not claim the right to vote anywhere else.

Do I have to choose a political party when registering to vote?

Illinois gives voters the option to choose a political party when registering to vote. It is not required to register, but choosing “no party preference” could limit your ability to participate in presidential primary elections and caucuses.