Illinois voters will soon choose federal, state, and local leaders during the Nov. 3 general election. Early voting starts on Sept. 24 in DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties. In Chicago, voting begins in-person at two locations on Oct. 1. Suburban Cook County voters can cast ballots starting Oct. 7.

Governor Race

Governor JB Pritzker is aiming for a rare third term. The last Illinois governor to achieve this was Republican Jim Thompson, who served from 1977 to 1991. Pritzker, opposing Republican Darren Bailey, could be the first Democrat to win three terms as governor in Illinois.

Voting Logistics

Early voting initiates Thursday in some counties, but begins Oct. 1 in Chicago and Oct. 7 in suburban Cook. Following the March primary, Republican President Donald Trump criticized mail-in ballots, which generally favor Democrats. Trump issued an executive order for state citizenship lists, affecting mail ballot distribution. Illinois joined other states in opposing this. In September, the Supreme Court nullified Trump’s order, allowing normal mail-in ballot processing by USPS.

Important Election Dates

• Aug. 5: First day to request a mail-in ballot.
• Sept. 24: Early voting starts in collar counties.
• Oct. 1: Early voting begins in Chicago.
• Oct. 6: Regular voter registration closing.
• Oct. 7: Early voting in suburban Cook and start of grace period for registration.
• Oct. 18: Online voter registration deadline.
• Oct. 19: Early voting available in all Chicago wards.
• Oct. 29: Last day to request mail-in ballots.
• Nov. 3: Election Day – Polls open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voter Eligibility

To vote in Illinois, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be at least 18 years old by the election date.
• Live in the same precinct for at least 30 days prior.
• Not be serving a prison sentence for a conviction.

Check if you are registered here.

Registration and Voting

Register online, in-person, or by mail. Mail registration requires a completed form and valid ID, sent to your local election authority by Oct. 6. Online registration must be done by Oct. 18. To register in person, provide two IDs, one with your current address.

Voting After Moving

If you have moved, update your address online and vote at the polling place for your new address with proper ID. If within 30 days of moving, vote at the old address’s polling place.

Polling and Voting Methods

Find polling locations by entering your address here. In Chicago, choose between paper ballots or touch-screen machines, both providing a paper trail.

Mail voting requires an application. Opt for early in-person voting by surrendering the mail ballot at the polling place.

Mail-In Ballots

Ballots can be returned via mail, drop-off in person, or placed in secure drop boxes, as detailed on the State Board of Elections’ site. Ensure each ballot has the signed and sealed envelope.

Sample Ballots and Voting Outside Chicago

View a sample ballot by entering details into the Chicago Board of Elections tool. Outside the city, contact the local election authority.

In suburban counties, consult county clerk’s offices for registration, mail applications, drop box locations, and polling places.

Votes made early are only counted after polls close on Nov. 3.

Sources: Chicago Board of Elections, County Offices, Tribune Reports