ILLINOIS, USA — 2024 is a big year for voters. Illinoisans will have a say in important races and ballot measures, such as who will represent Illinois in the U.S. House and state legislature as well as who will be the nation's next president.
Here are things you'll want to know and deadlines you won't want to miss if you plan on casting a ballot in 2024.
Election dates, deadlines
- Primary Election – March 19
- Regular registration deadline – Feb. 20
- Online registration deadline – March 3
- Grace period registration deadline (in-person only) – March 19
- General Election – Nov. 5
- Regular registration deadline – Oct. 8
- Online registration deadline – Oct. 10
- Grace period registration deadline (in-person only) – Nov. 5
For live results on election night, click here.
How do I register to vote?
In Illinois, you can register to vote online or via a mailed application. Mailed applications must be postmarked by the regular registration deadline, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections.
You can also register in person at the following locations:
- County Clerk's Office.
- Board of Election Commissioner's Office.
- City and village offices.
- Township offices.
- Schools.
- Public libraries.
- Military recruitment offices.
- Other locations specifically designated by the election authority.
To see if you’re already a registered voter, click here.
Where do I vote?
To find your designated polling place, click here.
Polling places will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.
What do I need to bring to vote?
Illinois does not require voters to present identification when voting except in certain circumstances.
First-time voters who registered by mail must present one of the following forms of ID, which should show your name and address before being permitted to vote:
- A current and valid photo identification.
- A utility bill.
- A bank statement.
- A government check.
- A paycheck.
- A lease or contract for residence.
- A student ID and mail addressed to the voter's residence.
- A government document.
If first-time voters who registered by mail didn't provide the required identification with their mail-in application or at the time of voting, they can cast a provisional ballot, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections. After voting provisionally, the voter will be told how to submit additional proof of registration and how to determine if their ballot was counted after the election.
To watch 5 On Your Side broadcasts or reports 24/7, 5 On Your Side is always streaming on 5+. Download for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV or the Apple TV App Store.