Illinois Voters Gear Up for the Nov. 3 General Election

Illinois voters have the opportunity to participate in the federal, state, and local elections scheduled for November 3. Early voting is available in multiple counties, including DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will, starting September 24. In Chicago, voters can begin early voting at two designated locations starting October 1, while suburban Cook County voters can start from October 7.

Governor JB Pritzker is pursuing an uncommon third term. A three-term governor in Illinois is rare, with the last instance being Republican Governor Jim Thompson, who served four terms from 1977 to 1991. If successful, Pritzker would be the first Democrat in Illinois to win three gubernatorial terms, facing Republican contender Darren Bailey.

Early voting in collar counties kicks off Thursday, whereas Chicago and suburban Cook counties follow suit on October 1 and October 7 respectively. Following the primary elections in March, Republican President Donald Trump challenged the mail-in ballots due to their popularity among Democrats. Trump issued an executive order for developing state citizenship lists to limit mail ballots to registered voters on such lists, which Illinois and other states opposed. The executive order was overturned by the Supreme Court in mid-September, allowing the Postal Service to deliver ballots as usual.

Several key dates are essential for voters to remember:

• August 5: First day to request a mail-in ballot.
• September 24: Start of early voting in specified counties.
• October 1: Commencement of early voting in Chicago.
• October 6: Closing of regular voter registration.
• October 7: Begin early voting in suburban Cook County and initiate the grace period for same-day registration and voting.
• October 18: Last day for online voter registration.
• October 19: Early voting expands to all Chicago wards.
• October 29: Deadline to request a mail-in ballot.
• November 3: Election Day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Eligibility requirements for voters include being a U.S. citizen, being 18 years old by Election Day, residing in the same precinct for at least 30 days prior, and not being imprisoned for a conviction.

Illinois voters can register to vote online, by mail, or in person. Mail registration forms are obtainable from the Illinois State Board of Elections website, and the deadline for mail registration is October 6. In-person registration requires proof of identity, including one document indicating the current address.

If you have relocated, register using your new address online and plan to vote in your assigned precinct. You can find your polling location by entering your address and ZIP code, ensuring you vote at the correct site.

Voting in person on Election Day involves submitting ballots either by marking a paper ballot or using touch-screen voting machines, both of which provide a paper trail. Voters outside Chicago can use the Illinois State Board of Elections tools to confirm their voting system.

Vote-by-mail applications are available for all Illinois counties, and voters who have opted for mail-in ballots can still opt to vote in person by surrendering their mail ballot on-site.

Mail-in ballots can be returned by mail, delivered in person to the election authority, or deposited in secure drop boxes. Chicago voters can utilize drop boxes or send the signed and sealed ballots by mail.

Chicago offers early voting starting October 1 at designated locations and expands to ward-based polling places beginning October 19. Voters have the flexibility to vote in one of twelve languages.

Sample ballots are accessible through the Chicago Board of Elections tool or from respective local election authorities. Interested voters should verify their registration and find polling locations.

Votes cast during early voting are not counted until polling closes on Election Day, November 3.

For those living outside Chicago, consult your local jurisdiction for mail-in and early voting details, taking note of possible location and schedule changes.