Registration
What is so important about Registering to Vote?
Registration is the #1 requirement for voting! If you don't register, you won't be allowed to vote on Election Day.
Who Can Register to Vote?
You must be:
- A citizen of the U.S. on election day
- At least 18 years of age on or before election day
- A resident of the precinct, at least 30 days before the day of the next election
When Must I Register to Vote?
You must register if:
- You have never registered in Illinois before
- You have changed your name
- You have recently moved
- People who move within 28 days of an election but reside in the same precinct may vote by signing an affidavit
Can I Register to Vote Throughout the Year?
- Voter registration is open year round except for the 27-day period just before an election and during the 2-day period after each election (1 day after in Chicago).
What Identification Do I Need to Register to Vote?
You need to provide at least 2 pieces of identification-at least 1 that has your address on it:
- Driver's License
- Illinois State ID
- Social Security card
- Employee or student ID card
- Recent Utility bill
- Credit card
- Birth certificate
- Public assistance identification card
- Library card
- Civic, union or professional association membership card
Where Do I Register to Vote?
In Person:
- On-site at your local election authority
- County Clerk's office
- Board of Election's office
- City and village offices
- Township offices
- Precinct Committeemen
- Military recruitment offices
- Some public libraries have a registrar on staff; many have the forms
- Check with your employer or school to see if they are sponsoring a voter registration drive or suggest that they sponsor one.
- Some schools, labor organizations, civic groups, corporations
- Equip for Equality! (Cook, City of Chicago[Chicago Office], Sangamen (Springfield Office (Rock Island (Rock Island Office).
When applying for services at the following:
- Driver's License Facilities
- Department of Public Aid offices
- Department of Public Health offices
- Department of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities offices
- Department of Rehabilitation Services offices
By Mail
- Illinois registration form, are available at local election authorities, public libraries, Equip for Equality, and other community locations.
- Election authority websites, including the State Board of Elections, Cook County Clerk and Chicago Board of Election Commissioners have a mail-in registration form you can download, print and send in to your local election authority office.
- If you register by mail and you have not voted before, you must vote in person the first time and show identification at the polling place.
