How to vote in Illinois

Five questions, in the order you will ask them. Every date links to the page it was read on.

How did voting go for you in Illinois?Say what you think. Other readers can answer you.Discuss

Can I still register?

Online: by Sunday, October 18.
By mail: your form has to be postmarked by Tuesday, October 6.
In person: by Tuesday, November 3.

Missed the deadline? You can still register and vote on the same day, during early voting and on Election Day. After the regular deadline you can still register in person at your election authority's office under grace period registration, up to and on Election Day.

To register, or to check that you are registered, start at Illinois State Board of Elections.

Where the source gives a rule and not a day, I counted the day from it. In its words: “Registration is closed during the 27 days prior to an election. Individuals who miss the deadline may register or transfer their registration at the office of the election authority under the guidelines of grace period registration.” “In-person registration deadline: Available up to and including on Election Day”

Source: Illinois State Board of Elections; a second page of it; vote.gov. Checked October 12, 2026.

Can I vote early?

Yes. Early voting in person ends Monday, November 2.

Its first day: For this one, go by the state's own page: Illinois State Board of Elections.

Source: Illinois State Board of Elections. Checked October 12, 2026.

Can I vote by mail?

Who can vote by mail: For this one, go by the state's own page: Illinois State Board of Elections.

Ask for your ballot: by Thursday, October 29.
Send it back: your ballot has to be postmarked by Tuesday, November 3.

Source: Illinois State Board of Elections. Checked October 12, 2026.

What do I bring?

For this one, go by the state's own page: Illinois State Board of Elections.

Where and when on November 3?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

Polls are open: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where you vote: find your polling place through Illinois State Board of Elections.

Source: Illinois State Board of Elections. Checked October 12, 2026.

The last word

Illinois State Board of Elections has it, not me. If anything here differs from Illinois State Board of Elections, the state is right. I checked these pages on October 12, 2026, and rules can change after that.

I tell you how to vote. I never tell you who to vote for. See who is on the ballot in Illinois, or ask the others in Illinois how voting went for them.