November 8th is quickly approaching. Is anyone else looking for a quick rundown of everything you need to know before heading to your local polling place? Well, we’ve got you covered. Before casting your vote, keep scrolling for all the information you need to cover!
How can I check my registration status?
Make sure to check your voter registration beforehand. You can check your status online.
Registering on Election Day is possible, but you must go to your local polling place to do so. Bring two forms of ID, including proof of your current address.
Identification information
Little known fact, an ID is not required to vote in IL but only if:
- The voter is registered at the current address and is voting in the correct precinct.
- The voter’s signature appears to match the voter’s signature on file.
- An Election Judge does not challenge the person’s right to vote.
If you’ve voted in Illinois before, you don’t need to provide an ID to vote. This rule varies by state, but do remember that you will need to show a form of ID if an election judge challenges your right to vote. You will need two forms of ID if you’re registering to vote on Election Day or during early voting times.
Forms of acceptable ID include
- Any current and valid photo identification
- A copy of a current utility bill
- A bank statement
- A government check or paycheck
- Any other government document with your name and address
If you don’t have any of the above forms of ID, you can still vote with a provisional ballot. In order for the ballot to be counted, please submit additional information to the election authority within the next seven days following the election.
There are a few ways to cast your ballot in Chicago
Early voting has already begun. You can find your closest polling place here.
Vote in person on election day: Check out a list of local polling places and find out where you can vote here.
The signed and sealed Ballot Return Envelope may be returned:
- Through the U.S. Postal Service or a licensed courier, or
- By personal delivery to the Election Board at 69 W. Washington, Sixth Floor
- In a secured drop box at any Chicago Early Voting location before Election Day
To find a local drop-box, click here.
Where to vote on Election Day
If you’re voting on Election Day, you will need to go to your local polling place, which you can find here.
Once you arrive at your polling location, a staff member or volunteer will direct you to the next steps.
While IL does allow absentee ballots and mail-in ballots, the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot was November 3rd. For mail-in ballots, they must be postmarked by Tuesday, November 8th.
What’s on the ballot?
The November 8th ballot includes everything from US Senator to Illinois Treasurer. Check out a full list here as well as a complete list of offices on the ballot.
[Photo via: Shutterstock]