How do I vote by mail in Illinois?

Lawmakers passed a new vote by mail law for 2020. Here’s a breakdown.

The Illinois General Assembly passed a new statewide vote by mail law that will help those unable to vote in person Nov. 3 or who are wary of being in public as a result of COVID-19.

This election is significant in Illinois because voters will have a chance for the first time in 50 years to tell state leaders whether they want their taxes raised and whether they trust state lawmakers with greater power to set their tax rates.

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. 24.

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. 18 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 to 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 in order to be valid.

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is Oct. 29 . That means your election authority must receive your request by that date.

Submitting your vote by mail ballot

Your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day, Nov. 3, 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.