How do I register to vote in Illinois?

Illinois is one of the most accommodating states for late and election-day registration thanks to its Grace Period Registration system.

1. Eligibility (10 ILCS 5/3-1)

U.S. citizen.

18 years old by Election Day (pre-register at 16 with parental notice; vote in primary at 17 if 18 by general).

Illinois resident for at least 30 days before the election.

Not in prison for a felony — voting rights are restored upon release.

Not declared mentally incompetent by a court.

2. How to Register

Online: ova.elections.il.gov (requires IL DL/ID).

Paper: download from State Board of Elections, mail to county clerk or election authority.

In person: at the county clerk, election authority, library, DMV, or designated state agency.

Automatic Voter Registration at the Secretary of State (DMV) since 2018.

3. Deadlines

Standard online deadline: 16 days before Election Day.

Standard mail deadline: 28 days before (postmarked).

Grace Period Registration: 27 days before Election Day through Election Day itself at the election authority's office, early voting sites, and at the polling place on Election Day (10 ILCS 5/4-50, 5-50, 6-100).

4. ID Requirements

Provide IL DL/ID or last 4 of SSN.

At the polls: no photo ID generally required. Grace Period registrants must show two forms of ID, one with current address.

5. College Students

May register at school address if that is where they live.

This is legal information, not legal advice.