Voter Registration in Illinois

The State of Illinois is what is called a Motor Voter state, providing voter registration services at the Secretary of State offices handling motor vehicle services.

If you do register to vote at the time you apply for a Illinois driver's license, the voter registration will only be valid for elections occuring 28 days or more from the date you register. You will not be on the polling rolls for elections before then, as time is needed for processing. In this case, it is better to register directly with your county or district voting officials, who should be able to process your voter registration form more quickly.

Voter registration is also closed for two days after a statewide election in most places in Illinois; in Chicago, it's closed for just one day.

Applications

You can also download a Voter Registration Application in either English or Spanish.

Requirements

You will need to show two forms of ID: one with your picture and one showing proof of your current address, such as a recent bill.

The other requirements are:

• You must be a U.S. citizen.

• You must be 18 years of age, or 18 at the time of the election for which you are registering.

• You must have been a resident of the precinct for which you are registering for at least 30 days prior to the election.

• You must not have been convicted of a felony that permanently prevents you from voting.

Safe Driver Renewal Registrations

If you qualify for the semi-automated Safe Driver Sticker Renewal Program and want to register to vote, simply check the box on the renewal form indicating that you would like to receive a Motor Voter registration packet. This packet will then be mailed to you. Fill it out and return it to your local election authority.

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