Voting 101

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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 (1) of these two (2) IDs must list your current address.

Voting on Election Day

You can vote in person on Election Day, November 3rd, 2026, at the precinct/polling location assigned based on your address, or at one (1) of the 50 early voting locations across Chicago.

Same Day Voter Registration

Same day registration is available at all early voting sites and on Election Day. Voters must bring two (2) forms of ID, at least one (1) of which includes their current address.

Can I Request My Ballot in Another Language?

Absolutely! If using a touchscreen voting machine, you may choose one (1) of 12 languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean, Tagalog, Gujarati, Urdu, Arabic, Ukrainian, and Russian. If voting by mail, you may choose one (1) of seven (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

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, October 29th, 2026, but please request your ballot long before this deadline to ensure you receive your ballot in time. Additionally, voters may 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 November 3rd, it will not be counted. The United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that mail ballots be put in the mail at least one (1) week before Election Day (October 27th).

Drop your ballot off at a drop box!

If you plan to vote by mail, you may submit your Ballot Return Envelopes at any of the Chicago Board of Elections Secured drop boxes. Please Note: Whether you use the U.S. Mail or a drop box, you must use the signed and sealed Ballot Return Envelope with your name on it to submit your ballot.

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 General Election 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 nonpartisan voter protection information and resources.

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 in the voting booth?

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.

Election day is Tuesday, November 3rd!

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Index

• About this Guide
• Voting 101
• Know Your Rights
• Governor and U.S. Senate
• Chicago School Board Elections
• Courts Elections
• Reintegration & Civic Empowerment Act
• Artist Statement

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