Your Guide to the 2024 Elections

How do I register to vote?

To be registered to vote in Illinois, voters must first meet a set of criteria.

All voters must be U.S. citizens, be 18 years or older by election day, and reside within their voting precinct for at least 30 days before the election. Convicted individuals in jail and those claiming a right to vote elsewhere are not eligible to vote. A new state law also allows 16- and 17-year-old residents to preregister to vote at a Secretary of State Department of Motor Vehicles office.

Regular voter registration closes on Feb. 20, but voters can register through election day at the polls during grace period registration. Grace period registration acts as an extension for voter registration leading up to an election, allowing voters to register in person.

Voters can check their registration status with the Illinois State Board of Elections website. Registration is open year-round with exception for the 27 days before an election and two days following one.

Those needing to change their address can return their Voting Identification Card to the county election office with an updated address on the back or by visiting the SBE website.

Voters are also required to re-register to vote if they decide to change their name. Exceptions to the rule include voters who have changed their name but still live in the same precinct, where they can still vote after filling out an affidavit, or a woman who continues to use her maiden name after marriage.

When are Illinois elections taking place this year?

The primary election is Tuesday, March 19, and the general election is Tuesday, Nov. 5.

What key races are on the ballot this year?

The oval office, seats in the Illinois General Assembly and Illinois Supreme Court, congressional districts and other local races are up for grabs this year.

Presidential candidates will vie for the state's 17 electoral votes in the fall general election in which Democrats have dominated in recent years. Former president George H.W. Bush was the last Republican to carry Illinois in 1988.

All 118 seats in the Illinois House of Representatives and 23 state Senate seats also will be in contention. Democrats hold 78-40 and 40-19 respective super-majorities. The party maintains 14 of Illinois' 17 congressional seats along with a 5-2 majority in the state's high court.

What do I need to take to the polls?

Voters do not need to show identification at the polls in most cases. However, if they have changed their address, registering that day at their polling location or did not disclose identification when registering to vote by mail, they would need to do so.

Two forms of identification, one showing your name and current address and another displaying your name, are required for registration. Voters can use a driver's license, Social Security card, birth certificate, checkbook, utility bill, bank statement, credit card, student I.D. or state I.D. card.

If a voter is waiting in line when the polls close, they can still cast their ballot.

What do I need to know about absentee voting?

Can't make it to your polling location on election day? Absentee voting is open to all voters in Illinois.

Those serving in the military and those living overseas have voting options as well via a federal postcard application. Voters can find this form by visiting the Federal Voting Assistance Program website or the Illinois Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment site through the state elections board.

What are the deadlines for absentee voting?

Those wishing to cast their ballot by mail have been able to request applications either in-person or through the mail since December. These must be returned by March 14. Drop-off boxes are available in all 102 counties in Illinois, which can be found on the SBE website.

For the general election, voters can request a ballot on Aug. 7.

What about early voting?

Early primary voting began earlier this month, where voters can cast their ballots at county election offices.

Early voting allows people to cast a ballot before election day in person and through the mail. As long as a person is a registered Illinois voter, they will be allowed to vote during the 40-day period that ends March 18. Once a voter casts an early ballot, the vote is final, and cannot vote on primary election day.