How do I vote by mail in Illinois?

Voting by mail allows Illinoisans to cast their ballots in the upcoming election without making a trip to the polls. Here’s what you need to know.

This Election Day, Illinois voters will have the chance to cast their ballots in races for the White House, U.S. House, Illinois Supreme Court, Illinois General Assembly, Chicago school board, municipal government and more.

The window is currently open for people to file an application for a vote-by-mail ballot, which must be cast prior to Election Day. Ballots will be mailed out beginning the first day of early voting, Sept. 26.

Who can vote by mail?

Any Illinois resident who is registered to vote may vote by mail. A person who is not yet registered to vote must register before Oct. 20 to be eligible to cast their ballot by mail.

Not sure if you’re registered? Click here.

Applying to vote by mail

You must submit an application to vote by mail with your local election authority. This may be done in person, usually at your county clerk’s office, or online. To find your election authority, click here.

On the application you must provide your name, home address, where you’d like the application mailed and signature. Important: your application must be signed to be valid.

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is Oct. 31. That means your election authority must receive your request by that date.

Applying for a permanent vote-by-mail ballot

Voters who are registered in Illinois can also sign up for permanent vote-by-mail status and have a ballot sent to their home address ahead of either all elections or just non-primary elections.

Illinoisans can sign up for permanent vote-by-mail status by completing this application and returning it to their county clerk in the election jurisdiction where they are registered to vote.

Submitting your vote-by-mail ballot

Your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day, Nov. 5, and received within 14 days of that date to be counted in the election.

Don’t forget to sign your ballot: If not signed, the ballot will not be counted.

Military personnel and their spouses who are stationed overseas may also vote by mail using the Federal Post Card Application.

What if I change my mind?

If you request a ballot by mail, but decide instead to vote in person, you may do so. To do this, you must bring your mail ballot to the election site and turn it in to the election judge.

Other election information

What dates should I know this election?

How do I vote early in Illinois?

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