Illinois voter registration guide: When, where and how to vote.
Illinois voters will head to the polls two times next year, as the Oval Office, seats in the Illinois General Assembly and Illinois Supreme Court, congressional districts and other local races are up for grabs.
Voters first opportunity will come on March 19, 2024 for the state primary, although those wishing to vote early can do so starting as early as Feb. 8.
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Most candidates began circling nomination papers in early September, while presidential candidates began this process last week. Candidates that win their primaries will qualify for the General Election which takes places on Nov. 5 in Illinois next year.
Here's what you need to know before election day.
What do I need to have to be registered to vote?
To be registered to vote in Illinois, voters must first met a set of criteria.
All voters must be U.S. citizens, be 18 years or older by election day and reside within their voting precinct for at least 30 days before the election. Convicted individuals in jail and those claiming a right to vote elsewhere are not eligible to vote.
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Two forms of identification, one showing your name and current address and another displaying your name, are required for registration. Those proper forms, among others are as followed:
Driver's License
Social Security Card
Birth Certificate
Checkbook
Utility Bill
Bank Statement
Student I.D. Card
State I.D. Card
Credit Card
How do I register?
This registration can be done by visiting your county election office, requesting mail-in registration from the same body or online through the Illinois State Board of Elections.
Voters can check their registration status also with the ISBOE website. Registration is open year-round with exception for the 27 days before an election and two days following one. Grace period registration acts as an extension for voter registration leading up to an election- allows voters to register but only in-person.
Those needing to change their address can return their Voting Identification Card card to the county election office with an updated address on the back or by visiting the ISBOE website.
Voters are also required to re-register to vote if they decide to change their name. Exceptions to the rule include voters who have changed their name but still live in the same precinct, where they can still vote after filling out an affidavit, or a woman who continues to use her maiden name after marriage.
If someone receives a Voter I.D. card for a person who no longer lives at a residence, they should write "not at this address" on the card and place it back in the mailbox.
Early voting: In-person, mail and overseas
Voters have several early voting options. County election offices serve as the primary location for early in-person voting, open Monday through Friday and several weekends, up until March 18, 2024.
Those wishing to cast their ballot by mail can request applications either in-person or through the mail starting Dec. 20, 2023. These must be returned by March 14, 2024. Drop-off boxes are available in all 102 counties in Illinois, which can be found on the ISBOE website.
Those serving in the military and those living overseas have voting options as well via a federal postcard application. Voters can find this form by visiting the Federal Voting Assistance Program website or the Illinois Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment site through ISBOE.
How do I find my polling place?
Illinois voters can find their polling location through their Voting Identification Card or through an ISBOE tool found at its website.
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election days. Those in line before the polls close can still cast their ballot on election day. Voters can register on election day as well if they bring the proper identification.
Contact Patrick Keck: 312-549-9340, pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Illinois voter's guide for March 2024 Primary. What you need to know
