If recent presidential election changes have you pondering “Am I registered to vote in the general election in Illinois?” — don’t worry: We’ve got you covered.
Here is the easiest way to determine if you’re registered — and how to get back on track if you discover that you aren’t.
Am I Registered?
Start by visiting the Illinois Board of Elections website to determine your registration status. You’ll need to enter your first and last names, birth date and five-digit zip code. Subsequent screens will ask for your street number and street name. Depending on your status, you may be directed to contact your local election authority to get more details.
Need to register? Visit the Illinois online voter registration site to see if you’re eligible to do so from the comfort of your couch, or if you’ll need to register in person.
According to the state Board of Elections, to vote in Illinois:
- You must be a United States citizen.
- You must be at least 17 years old on or before the date of the Primary Election and turn 18 on or before the date of the General or Consolidated Election (16 year olds may preregister to vote).
- You must live in your election precinct at least 30 days prior to Election Day.
- You must not be serving a sentence of confinement in any penal institution as a result of a conviction.
- You may not claim the right to vote anywhere else.
What’s At Stake?
The General Election on Tuesday, November 5, will decide the Big Ticket federal offices, 17 U.S. House seats for Illinois, as well as races in the state Senate, House, Supreme Court, intermediate appellate courts, municipal offices and several school boards — including Chicago.
There are also three statewide ballot measures involving: whether state officials should provide health insurance coverage of medically assisted reproductive treatments, including in vitro fertilization; amending the Illinois Constitution to create an additional 3 percent tax on income greater than $1 million to provide funds for property tax relief; and whether to establish civil penalties if a candidate interferes or attempts to interfere with an election worker’s official duties.
Where Do I Vote?
Have your address and zip code ready to enter into the state’s polling place lookup tool.
Prefer to vote early? Visit the Board of Elections early voting information site for details for how to cast your ballot before election day.
Early voting sites are open now through Monday, November 4.