Still need to register to vote? Here's what to know about voter registration in Illinois
Missed National Voter Registration Day? Don't worry. You still have time to register to vote in Illinois before the November election.
According to the Illinois State Board of Elections, voters can register until the closure of polls on Election Day during the grace period but are required to-do so in-person and cast their ballot at the same time. Still, ISBE recommends registering before Nov. 8 either through regular registration (ending Oct. 11) or online registration (ending Oct. 23).
As of the June primary, there were 8.1 million Illinoians registered to vote.
Election Day is Nov. 8, but when does early voting begin?
Those wishing to vote before Nov. 8 will have that opportunity starting Thursday, Sept. 29, when local election offices open for early voting. In Sangamon County, voters can visit the election office at 200 S. Ninth St., Room 101, in Springfield on Mondays through Fridays between Sept. 29 and Oct. 28. The Saturdays of Oct. 15, 22 and 29 will also have voting hours between 9 a.m. and noon.
Related:Springfield organizations mobilize to get women out for early voting
The University of Illinois at Springfield will be a temporary early voting location starting Monday, Oct. 31, and going through Friday, Nov. 4 for select precincts. Only voters in Capital 14, 37, 92, 93 and 99; and Woodside 2 precincts can cast ballots early at the UIS Student Union building from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
That same week, the county election office will have extended voting hours including the weekend. Voters will have from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the week, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday to vote early between Oct. 31 and Nov. 6. The last day of early voting is Monday, Nov. 7, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
How do I register to vote by mail?
Early voting can also be done by mail now permanently due to the passage of Senate Bill 825. Among several provisions of the legislation, election offices were ordered to send vote-by-mail applications by Aug. 10 — a process that Sangamon County Clerk Don Gray said led to approximately 134,000 Sangamon County voters receiving an application.
Through the county election office, there are also several options to secure a vote-by-mail application whether at the office, over-the-phone or electronically. The applications are available until Nov. 3, and ballots will be mailed out starting Sept. 29.
These ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and will be counted up until two weeks after the election.
How do I find my polling location?
There are 102 polling locations in the city of Springfield and more than 75 polling places excluding the city in towns like Auburn, Chatham and Rochester.
Voter Identification Cards tell voters where their specific polling location is, but there are still options in case that card has been misplaced. The county office can help secure a replacement card by visiting the office, sending an email to elections@co.sangamon.il.us, or completing a form online.
These locations will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, which will be recognized as a state holiday and closing schools. Voters at 7 p.m. will still be able to cast their ballots.
Ballots can also be dropped off at two secure drop boxes, one being on the southside of the county building and another at the Sangamon County Juvenile/Regional Office of Education at 2201 S. Dirksen Parkway, until 7 p.m. on Election Day.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: How to register to vote in Illinois ahead of Nov. 8 Election Day
