Not registered and it’s Election Day? You can still vote

Illinois allows you to register and vote on Election Day, which this year gives you a voice on your income taxes.

Voters today for the first time in 50 years can directly tell state leaders “no” to another income tax hike.

And even if you are not registered to vote, you can still have your say at the polls today.

Illinois, along with 20 other states, allows for same-day voter registration. This means an eligible Illinoisan can show up at a polling location, register to vote and cast a vote all at the same time.

Who can vote in Illinois?

You must:

• Be a citizen of the United States
• Be a resident of Illinois and of your precinct for at least 30 days before the election
• Be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day
• Cannot be serving a prison sentence
• Cannot be voting anywhere else

When and where do I vote?

Click here to see your voting location for Election Day.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.

How do I register the same day?

If you are already registered to vote in your precinct, then all you have to do is show up at your polling location. Not registered or not sure? Click here.

A form of identification is not required when voting, but it is recommended you bring an ID in case there is any confusion about your registration, address or signature. To register you should have a photo ID as well as proof of current residence, such as a recent utility bill.

It can be one-stop convenience on Election Day: register and vote in the same location.

So take the opportunity to tell state lawmakers not to change how they collect taxes, but rather to change how they do business. Voting “no” on the progressive tax is the first step to making Springfield stop mishandling pensions and to halt a 20-year tradition of spending more than they take in.