Vote

Information on Voting in Illinois

Your vote and your voice matter. RVC is here to make sure you have the resources you need to make the most of your vote come Election Day.

Illinois Deadlines

  • Last day to register in-person: received 28 days prior to Election Day
  • Last day to register by mail: postmarked 28 days before Election Day
  • Last day to register online: received 16 days for Election Day

Missed the deadlines? You can register to vote in person on Election Day. Bring an ID and one piece of mail with your address. You must have lived at your address for 30 days to be eligible. 

Learn More Voting

Get information on early voting, mail-in voting, candidates, polling places, and more. For non-partisan voting information visit IllinoisVoterGuide.org.

Frequently asked questions:

  • Do I need an ID to vote? No Illinois does not require an ID to vote.
  • Do I need an excuse to vote early or to vote by mail? No, Illinois does not require an excuse for absentee voting or early voting.
  • I am a convicted felon. Can I vote? In Illinois, if you are no longer in the custody of the Department of Corrections, you are allowed to vote.  Convicted Felons in the custody of the Department of Corrections are not allowed to vote.
  • I am not sure if I am registered to vote. How do I know? Use the Voter Registration Lookup to check and see if you are registered.
  • Where will I go on election day to vote? Go to the polling place lookup. 
  • How do I register to vote? Fill out the online Voter Registration Application.
  • How do I register to vote by mail? Visit the Illinois State Board of Elections website.
  • My child is 17 and will be 18 on or before Election Day. Can they register? Anyone age 17 who will turn 18 on or before April 6, 2021, can register to vote.

Who can vote?

To register in Illinois, you must:

  • be a citizen of the United States;
  • be a resident of Illinois and of your election precinct at least 30 days before the next election;
  • be at least 18 years old on or before the next election;
  • not be serving a sentence of confinement in any penal institution as a result of conviction of any crime; 
  • not claim the right to vote anywhere else

Learn more about voting rights restoration.