Election Details for Illinois Voters: Importance of Participation and Key Information

Illinois voters will soon participate in federal, state, and local elections scheduled for November 3. Early voting in DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties starts on September 24. Chicago residents may vote from October 1 at two locations, while suburban Cook County voters can begin on October 7.

Governor’s Race

Governor JB Pritzker, seeking a third consecutive term, could become the first Democrat in Illinois to do so. His Republican challenger is Darren Bailey. Early voting varies by location: collar counties begin early, with different dates for Chicago and suburban Cook.

Election and Voting Details

Amid debates on mail-in voting, President Trump had an executive order related to voter eligibility, which was later blocked by the Supreme Court. As a result, the Postal Service continues its normal operations for mail-in ballots. For this election, polling hours are 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., ensuring those in line by the closing time can still vote.

Election Offices and Races

Voters will decide on various races, including 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. The candidates’ signs are a familiar sight near polling locations on Election Day.

Find your current representatives by checking online with your home address.

Important Election Dates

• August 5: Request a vote-by-mail ballot.
• September 24: Start of early voting in select counties.
• October 1: Early voting in Chicago commences.
• October 7: Suburban Cook County early voting begins.
• October 18: Deadline for online voter registration.
• October 29: Last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot.

Voter Eligibility

Eligible Chicago voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 by November 3, living in their precinct for at least 30 days before the election, without voting rights claimed elsewhere. The Illinois State Board outlines additional requirements for state voters.

Voter Registration

Register online, in person, or by mail. Mail registration requires forms from the Illinois State Board of Elections, along with ID copies sent to local authorities by October 6. For online registration, visit the State Board’s site by October 18. In-person registration during early voting needs two IDs, one with the current address.

Address Changes and Voting Locations

If moving, voters must register online using the new address. If the move occurred over 30 days before Election Day, vote at the new precinct. For recent moves within Chicago, vote at the old precinct. Unsure about polling places? Use online resources with your ZIP code.

Voting Methods and Guidelines

Choose between paper ballots or touch-screen machines in Chicago, both offering a paper trail. Voters may bring written aides into booths, but should remove campaign materials. It’s illegal to photograph completed ballots.

Vote by Mail

Apply online or via form for mail ballots. If opting for in-person early voting after receiving a mail ballot, cancel the mailed one at the polling site. Return ballots through mail, in person, or in secure drop boxes, with completed ballots requiring signed envelopes.

Early Voting and Sample Ballots

In-person early voting in Chicago starts October 1 at main locations, expanding citywide on October 19. Voters can use the Board of Elections tool to view sample ballots and verify registration. Outside Chicago, contact local election authorities for similar services.