What to know about voting early or by mail before April 6 in McHenry County

McHenry County voters have calendar dates to watch if they are voting early or by mail ahead of the April 6 election. Here’s what they need to know.

Early voting started March 12 ahead of the April 6 consolidated election in McHenry County, with voters facing choices that impact their taxes, who represents them in local government and what they think about public policy questions.

Here is what you need to know about early voting and voting by mail in McHenry County ahead of the April 6 election.

 When can I vote early? 

Early, in-person voting at the McHenry County Clerk’s Office began March 12 and continues until April 5. Early, in-person voting county-wide began March 22 and will continue until April 5.

Voters need not give a reason for voting ahead of Election Day on April 6. They also are not required to show identification at the polls, although having an ID available with your current address will help if election authorities have a question about an address or if they challenge a voter’s signature.

McHenry County early voting locations and hours can be found here.

Can I register to vote when I go to vote early?

Yes. You will need two forms of identification if you are registering for the first time or are changing your address. One of the IDs needs your current McHenry County address.

How do I get a vote-by-mail ballot?

Registered McHenry County voters can request a mail-in ballot by downloading a ballot application. Voters will be required to print and sign the ballot application before returning it to the McHenry County Clerk’s Office.

Residents can send the application by U.S. mail to the McHenry County Clerk’s Office or email a scanned copy of the application to mchenryelection@co.mchenry.il.us to obtain a mail-in ballot. Residents can also personally deliver their ballot application to the McHenry County Clerk’s office.

To apply, residents will need to provide their name, voting precinct and an address where they would like the ballot mailed.

The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot online is April 1.

How does mail-in voting work?

Once a registered voter’s application has been processed, the voter will receive a mail-in ballot. Voters can mail or hand deliver the ballot back to the McHenry County Clerk’s office. In person delivery can be either the voter or any person authorized by the voter by signed statement.

The ballot must be completed and either returned or postmarked no later than April 6.

Voters can email the McHenry County Clerk’s Office at votebymail@mchenrycountyil.gov or call 815 334-4242 if they did not receive their mail-in ballot or have any questions.