Illinois: Election Tools, Deadlines, Dates, Rules, and Links

Illinois voter registration

• Voter registration deadlines

  • In Person: Received 28 days before Election Day (If voters miss this deadline, they may also register during the registration grace period.)
  • By Mail: Postmarked 28 days before Election Day.
  • Online: Received 16 days before Election Day. (If voters miss this deadline, they may also register during the registration grace period.)

• Election day registration

  You can also register in person (and vote) at your local elections office during the "grace period." The grace period starts 27 days before Election Day and ends on Election Day. Grace Period Voting does not take place at your regular polling place. Grace Period Voting is typically available at your Local Election Office. Contact your Local Election Office for more information.

• Voter registration rules

  To register in Illinois you must:

  • Be a citizen of the United States;
  • Be a resident of Illinois and of your election precinct at least 30 days before the next election;
  • Be at least 18 years old on or before the next election;
  • Not be serving a sentence of confinement for a criminal conviction (but you can vote if you have been charged but not convicted, have completed your sentence, or have been released on parole);
  • Not claim the right to vote anywhere else.

• How to register to vote in Illinois

  1. Use our Register to Vote Tool to fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Sign and date your form. This is very important!
  3. Mail or hand-deliver your completed form to the address we provide.
  4. Make sure you register before the voter registration deadline.

• Registering with felony status

  If you have been convicted of a felony and have questions about whether you can register to vote, visit Restore Your Vote to determine your eligibility.