Information for new citizens and voters & ICIRR Democracy Project 2026
Updated: August 28th, 2026
Congratulations on becoming a US citizen! As a citizen, you are eligible to vote and make your voice heard at the ballot box!
Here's what you need to know about participating in the next election:
2026 Primary Election Calendar:
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Wednesday, August 5: First day to apply for vote by mail ballot, you can apply here.
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Thursday, September 24: First day to vote early or by mail
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Tuesday, October 6: Last day for paper registration. Online voter registration remains open.
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Wednesday, October 7: First day of grace period for in person voter registration and select early voting sites (varies by election authority)
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Tuesday, October 18: Last day for online voter registration @ 11:59pm. Grace period in-person voter registration remains available at select early voting sites.
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Thursday, October 29: Last day to apply for vote by mail ballot.
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Tuesday, November 3: Election Day! Polls are open from 6AM - 7PM
Ways to register to vote in Illinois:
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Register and vote the SAME DAY at early voting locations
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Register and vote in person on Election Day at your local polling place
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Register by mail
To register to vote in Illinois, you must:
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Be a resident of Illinois and of your election precinct at least 30 days before the next election;
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Be at least 18 years old on or before the next election;
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Not claim the right to vote anywhere else;
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Not be incarcerated for a criminal conviction;
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If registering in person, you must show two (2) forms of identification. At least one (1) identification must list your current address.
ICIRR'S Democracy Project 2026:
Since 2002, ICIRR's Democracy Project Fellowship has empowered immigrant communities by increasing voter participation across Chicago and surrounding suburbs. This nonpartisan, paid, full-time fellowship is a leadership development opportunity for emerging community leaders who are passionate about grassroots organizing, civic engagement, and strengthening democracy. It occurs every two years, leading up to the General Election. Fellows are placed with immigrant-serving organizations throughout the Chicagoland area, where they lead local voter engagement efforts.
For the 2026 Democracy Project, ICIRR has partnered with seven organizations to get out the vote in these election authorities:
Arab American Family Services (Southwest Suburban Cook County), Brighton Park Neighborhood Council (Chicago), Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community (Chicago), Casa Michoacan (DuPage and Kane County), PASO - West Suburban Organizing Project (West Suburban Cook County), Mano a Mano Family Resource Program (Lake County), and Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project. (Will County).
Help us mobilize people to get out the vote! Volunteer with the Democracy Project using the links below:
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Arab American Family Services (Southwest Suburban Cook County)
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Brighton Park Neighborhood Council (Southwest Side, Chicago)
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Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community (Chinatown, Chicago)
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PASO - West Suburban Organizing Project (West Suburban Cook County)
Know Your Rights:
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Depending on your county or language needs, you may be able to request a translated ballot or interpretation assistance.
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You can bring a family member into the polling booth to provide assistance.
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Call the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline if you have any questions or problems at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
PLEASE NOTE:
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If you register online, you must have a valid Illinois driver’s license or State ID.
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If you don’t have a valid Illinois driver’s license/State ID or miss the online voter registration deadline, you can still register and vote at the same time as voting in person at early voting locations OR at your local polling place on Election Day.
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If you register in person at an early voting location or on Election Day, you will need to show two forms of accepted identification.