When are the 2024 elections in Illinois? Here’s what you should know – NBC Chicago

Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.

Although it sometimes seems like election season will never end, the 2024 general election is fast approaching and citizens are voting on everything from the President of the United States to their local Chicago School Board candidates.

While Election Day itself is still nearly three weeks away, voters across Illinois and the rest of the country are already casting their ballots as early voting has begun in many locations.

As the election approaches and many have already voted, here is everything you need to know about the 2024 elections in Illinois:

When is election day?

Election Day in the United States is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, which falls on November 5th this year.

Of course, voters can cast their ballots that day, but in Illinois, early voting has now begun in most parts of the state.

How to register to vote in Illinois

There are several ways for voters to register in Illinois, starting with automatic voter registration available at Department of State locations and other public facilities in the state.

Voters can also register to vote by mail by printing a form and returning it to their local county clerk’s office, or they can deliver the form in person to those offices.

You can find the form here. The deadline for this type of voter registration is 28 days before the election, which will take place on October 8, 2024.

Voters can register online via the State Board of Elections websitewith a deadline of October 20th for this type of registration.

Finally, during a grace period leading up to and including Election Day, voters may register by going to their local county clerk’s office or at designated polling locations and providing proper identification. Voters who register this way must submit their ballots the same day they register.

How to vote by mail in Illinois

Illinois residents interested in voting by mail may do so as long as they are registered to vote under state law.

The deadline for requesting a mail-in ballot is five days before the election or October 31, 2024. These ballots must then be postmarked no later than Election Day, November 5, or placed in a designated mailbox by the end of Election Day Election day.

Voters can still choose to vote in person. The relevant steps are described on the election committee’s website.

Detailed information about registering for postal voting and much more Information about the guidelines established by state law can be found on the NBC Chicago app.

How to vote early in the Chicago area

Early voting has now begun in most of Illinois, and county offices are participating in the 40 days before the election.

Each jurisdiction, as well as the City of Chicago itself, designates different polling locations for early voting purposes leading up to Election Day.

Further information can be found via the following links:

City of Chicago (voting begins October 3)

Cook County (voting begins October 9)

DeKalb County

DuPage County

Grundy County

Kane County

Kankakee County

Kendall County

Lake County

LaSalle County

McHenry County

Will County

How to vote on Election Day

Of course, voters may cast their ballots at their respective polling stations on Election Day, but there are certain circumstances in which ID may be required.

No ID is required if a voter is registered at their current address and voting in the correct precinct. However, an ID can clarify any questions that arise when voting.

A voter needs an ID if election judges have reason to challenge their right to vote at a polling place or if their voter registration form did not include a driver’s license, state ID number or Social Security number, the election board said.

Anyone who wants to register to vote on Election Day and submit a ballot must also bring two forms of identification. A complete list of permitted forms of identification can be found here.

When are the polling stations open on election day?

In Illinois, polls must open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. However, voters who are in line when polls close are still legally entitled to cast their ballots.

Certain circumstances may cause polling stations to remain open for extended periods of time. However, in these circumstances, the information will be shared with voters.

Can you register to vote on Election Day?

Same-day voter registration is actually possible in Illinois, as is the ability to legally change addresses on a voter registration form or update a person’s name on voter rolls.

It is important to note that not all polling stations offer same-day registration as election judges require appropriate training. However, voters can find information on the Board of Elections website.

District offices can also register voters on election day.

Voters who wish to do so must bring two forms of identification and their vote will be provisionally counted until their right to register at the address they provided is verified.

For more information about the types of identification required for same-day voter registration, click here.

What should I bring with me to vote in person?

If a voter is already registered at their current home address, they do not need to bring identification. However, if you have any questions, a photo ID can be helpful.

Voters who need to register or make changes to their voter registration on election day can do so at select polling stations, but must bring two forms of identification.

Voters can also bring slips of paper to the voting booth to help them fill out their ballots, state officials said.

Can I take a ballot selfie?

Taking photos with According to experts, voting is prohibited by state law. This ban stems from a law that prohibits marking ballots so that another person can see how a voter voted.

However, state officials have told NBC Chicago in the past that it is “unlikely” anyone will be prosecuted, but still recommend taking photos of an “I Voted” sticker instead of the ballot itself.

What should I do if I have problems voting?

Voters whose eligibility to vote is questioned, who experience voter intimidation, or who experience problems at their polling station are encouraged to report such incidents.

If you encounter any of the above issues or have questions about the voting process, more than 100 organizations in the U.S. operate an election protection hotline that you can reach at:

1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683): ​​English

1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (1-888-839-8682): Spanish/English

1-888-API-VOTE (1-888-274-8683): ​​Asian Languages/English

1-844-YALLA-US (1-844-925-5287): Arabic/English

Illinois residents can also text MYVOTE to 866-687-8683 if they have concerns. which are looked after by trained volunteers.