Information for new citizens and voters

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:

December 17, 2025: First day to apply for a vote by mail ballot.
February 5, 2026: First day to vote early or by mail.
February 17, 2026: Last day to register to vote via paper form.
February 18, 2026: Grace Period, in-person voter registration and voting at election authority and early voting sites.
March 1, 2026: Last day for online voter registration. In-person voter registration and voting at election authority and early voting sites.
March 12, 2026: Last day for election authority to receive vote by mail applications.
March 17, 2026: Primary Election Day! Polls are open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.
General Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Ways to register to vote in Illinois:

Be a U.S. citizen;
Be a resident of Illinois and of your election precinct at least 30 days before the next election;
Be at least 18 years old on or before the next election;
Not claim the right to vote anywhere else;
Not be incarcerated for a criminal conviction;
If registering in person, you must show two (2) forms of identification. At least one (1) identification must list your current address.

Depending on your county or language needs, you may be able to request a translated ballot or interpretation assistance.
You can bring a family member into the polling booth to provide assistance.
Call the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline if you have any questions or problems at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).

If you register online, you must have a valid Illinois driver’s license or State ID.
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.
If you register in person at an early voting location or on Election Day, you will need to show two forms of accepted identification.