IL voter registration portal closes Oct. 23. How to check your status, register to vote
While the Illinois State Board of Elections reported a turnout rate of 21.7% in June’s primary election, general elections typically have higher participation rates, even in midterm years like 2022.
Sept. 20 is National Voter Registration Day, and Illinois residents can register online to vote. The state permits mail-in and early voting without an excuse. Here’s what to know about registering and voting in the state.
How to register to vote in Illinois, check registration status
Eligible voters in Illinois must meet the following requirements:
U.S. citizen
17 years old on or before the primary election date and turn 18 on or before general or consolidated election
Live in your precinct at least 30 days prior to Election Day
Must not claim a right to vote anywhere else
Must not be serving a sentence of confinement in any penal institution as a result of a conviction
You can use the state’s online voter registration database to check your registration status. To see whether you’re registered, the site will ask for your first and last name, birth date and zip code.
The online voter registration system will close at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23 and will reopen Thursday, Nov. 10 after the midterm election.
To register to vote in Illinois or update your registration, you’ll need to provide your Illinois driver’s license or Illinois state ID number, the date your document was issued, the last four digits of your social security number and your birth date.
How to vote in Illinois
The 2022 general election will take place Tuesday, Nov. 8. Illinois allows any voter to request a vote-by-mail ballot, and you can apply for a mail-in ballot online.
The state also allows early in-person voting, and you do not need to provide an excuse or reason you chose not to vote on Election Day.
College students may:
Absentee vote with a permanent home address, regardless of whether the student attends an institution outside the state
Travel home and vote at the location designated for their permanent residence
Register to vote using their college address and vote there
While official online resources are available for voter registration and to request a mail-in ballot, voting does not take place online (with certain exceptions for U.S. citizens from specific states who are overseas).
You can report any fraudulent text messages or other communications sharing misinformation about voting to the Illinois State Board of Elections.
