Register-Engage-Vote

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Get REV’d Up and ready to vote in Illinois!

We provide this guide to help you register to vote, research candidates and vote in Illinois. Make your voice heard and shape the future!

Registering to Vote

To participate in elections in Illinois, you must be registered to vote. To register, you must be:

  • A U.S Citizen
  • At least 18 years old on or before the date of the Primary Election
  • 17-year-olds may register and vote in a Primary Election if they turn 18 on or before the date of the General Election
  • 16-year-olds may pre-register at the DMV so they may start voting when they are eligible
  • A resident of the precinct for at least 30 days prior to Election Day
  • Not serving a sentence in any penal institution due to a conviction
  • Not registered to vote elsewhere
  • Provide two forms of identification, one with current address listed

Online registration (with appropriate identification details) is available most of the year at:

Illinois also offers same-day voter registration, allowing you to register and vote on the same day with proper identification.

Moving to another state to work or attend college and prefer to vote there? Visit VOTE411.org or the applicable State Election Division website to understand the state’s registration eligibility requirements.

    Engagement

    Use trusted, nonpartisan sources to learn about candidates. It is important to check the source, look for evidence, and cross-reference information before assuming something is factual.

    • Nonpartisan Online Voter’s Guide: VOTE411
    • Candidate Forums: Hear directly from candidates on the issues at forums hosted by:
      • League of Women Voters of Naperville (Our forums can be viewed live on Zoom or our Facebook page, and are later posted to our YouTube Channel and VOTE411.org)
      • League of Women Voters of Illinois and neighboring leagues
      • Others, including community organizations, religious organizations, and student groups
    • Illinois State Bar Association: visit their website for reports and ratings on judicial candidates
    • Media: Newspapers and TV stations (e.g., NCTV17) interview candidates and may endorse specific candidates.
    • Candidate Websites/Social Media: Learn about their positions and campaign events

    This list is not exhaustive. LWVN encourages all voters to actively learn about the candidates who wish to represent them.

            Voting in Illinois

            Plan ahead and choose the option that works best for you:

            1. Vote By Mail (VBM): Request a VBM ballot from your county’s election division website, no reason necessary. VBM ballots should be carefully completed, signed using the signature on file, and returned in a timely fashion using official drop boxes or, if using USPS, ask for a manual postmark. Ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the election division within 14 days of Election Day. Sign up for BallotTrax on your county’s election division website to track the status of your VBM ballot.
            2. Early Voting: Check your county’s election division website for locations, dates, and hours. Locations often include the Election Division office, libraries, government buildings, and places of worship.
            3. Election Day Voting: Vote in person at your designated polling place on Election Day. Voting hours are 6 AM to 7 PM. If you are in line by 7 PM, you have the right to vote. Note: DuPage County voters can vote at any official polling place within the county.

            The League of Women Voters (LWV) is a nonpartisan, grassroots nonprofit dedicated to empowering everyone to fully participate in our democracy.

            Updated: August 2026