Voting 101

First time voter? Did you know…

In Illinois, you don’t need ID if you’re already registered to vote, your signature matches the one on file, and there are no issues with your registration. However, we recommend bringing a valid form of ID just in case for these scenarios:

One (1) form of ID showing the voter’s current address is required when an Election Judge challenges the person’s right to vote, or when the voter submitted a mail-in registration form without providing an IL state ID number or the last four digits of their Social Security number.

Two (2) forms of ID are required when a voter is registering in person, filing an address change in person, or filing a name change in person including at their home precinct on Election Day. One of these two IDs must list your current address.

Voting on Election Day

You can vote in person on Election Day, March 17th 2026, at the precinct/polling location assigned based on your address or at one of the 50 early voting locations across the city.

Same Day Voter Registration

Same Day Registration is available at all early voting sites and on Election Day. Voters must bring two forms of ID, with at least one that includes your current address.

Can I Request My Ballot in Another Language?

Absolutely! If using a touchscreen voting machine, you may choose one of 12 languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean, Tagalog, Gujarati, Urdu, Arabic, Ukrainian, and Russian. If Voting By Mail, you may choose one of 7 languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean, and Tagalog. If voting using a paper ballot at your precinct on Election Day, you may have different language options based on your precinct.

Early voting… well yes!

Registered voters may cast a ballot prior to Election Day without having to provide a reason for wanting to vote early. This ballot is cast in person:

No eligible voter should ever be turned away from the polls. For questions about voting or issues you run into while trying to vote call the Election Protection Hotline at 1 (866) OUR-VOTE or 1 (866) 687-8683 for free nonpartisan help.

Vote By Mail

The deadline to apply to vote by mail is Thursday, March 12 by 5:00pm, but please request your ballot long before this deadline to ensure you receive your ballot in time for the election. Additionally, voters may also receive their vote by mail ballot in the following languages: English/Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean, or Tagalog

The United States Postal Service (USPS) cannot guarantee that a vote-by-mail ballot envelope will be postmarked the same day that a voter puts it in the mail. If a ballot is postmarked after March 17, it will not be counted. USPS recommends that mail ballots be put in the mail at least one week before Election Day (March 10).

Drop Your Ballot Off At A Drop Box!

In Illinois, you can drop your mail-in ballot at a secure drop-box outside of early voting and Election Day polling locations. Vote By Mail Drop Boxes are available at sites in all 50 Wards starting March 2, 2026

Have a Felony Conviction?

If you have a past criminal conviction and have completed your sentence, you can vote in Illinois in all elections. If you are detained awaiting trial, have not been convicted, or are on electronic monitoring without a current conviction, you can register and vote in the upcoming election. You can check and update your voter registration before the 2026 Primary online at ova.elections.il.gov.

As long as you are NOT currently serving time for a conviction or on temporary leave/furlough from prison you ARE an eligible voter, period. Citizens awaiting trial in Cook County Jail (or any IL jail) have the right to vote.

Election Protection Hotline

Call or text 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for voter protection information and resources. You can also visit their website by scanning this QR code.

Election Day is Tuesday, March 17th

Chicago Board of Elections

69 West Washington St
Suites 600/800
Chicago, IL 60602

For general inquiries, contact
cboe@chicagoelections.gov
or call 312-269-7900

Can I Take this Guide With Me to Vote

Yes! You can take this into the polls with you. Remember, take your time and read through the voting instructions carefully to ensure your ballot is counted accurately.

What is a Primary Election?

A primary election is an election held before the general election to decide which candidates will represent each political party on the final ballot. Instead of choosing between parties, voters in a primary usually choose between candidates from the same party. The candidates who receive the most votes move on to the general election.

Primary elections are an early step in the overall election process. After the primaries are finished, the winners from each party appear on the general election ballot, where all eligible voters can choose between them. Primary elections are important because they help narrow down the field of candidates. The choices made during primaries help shape the options voters see in general elections. The General Election is on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Index

Sometimes you gotta pop out & vote!

Voter information lookup

View your voter information, sample ballot, AND locate your precinct polling place for Election Day.

Chicago board of elections contact information

69 West Washington Street
Suites 600/800
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 269-7900
cboe@chicagoelections.gov

Election day is Tuesday, March 17th!