Not Registered? You Can Still Vote! Your Guide to Early and Same-Day Registration
Election Day for the Illinois Primary is Tuesday, March 17th. If you just realized you aren't registered, recently moved, or haven't voted in a while, do not worry, Illinois allows you to register and vote on the exact same day.
Whether you plan to vote early this weekend or on Election Day, here is everything you need to know to cast your ballot in the 7th Congressional District.
Step 1: Find Your Polling Place
Before you head out, you need to know where to go. Our district covers parts of Chicago and the Cook County suburbs. Use the links below to find your exact Early Voting locations and your assigned Election Day precinct:
• Chicago Residents: Click here to find your Chicago polling place (Select "Your Voter Information"). This will show your assigned precinct and the nearest Early Voting locations.
• Suburban Cook County Residents: Click here to find your Suburban polling place.
• Not sure which county you fall under? Use the Illinois State Board of Elections Lookup Tool.
Step 2: Grab Your IDs (The "Two ID" Rule)
Because the standard registration deadline has passed, you will be doing what is called "Grace Period" or "Same-Day" registration. To do this, you must bring two (2) forms of ID with you to the polls. You will register and cast your ballot at the same time.
• Requirement 1: Both IDs must show your current name.
• Requirement 2: At least one (1) ID must show your current residential address.
Acceptable forms of ID include:
• Illinois Driver’s License or State ID Card (Highly recommended)
• A recent utility bill (electric, water, gas, etc.)
• A bank statement or pay stub
• A current lease or rental agreement
• A Student ID card
• Official mail postmarked to you at your current address
(Note: A photo ID is not legally required as long as the two documents satisfy the name and address rules, but bringing a Driver's License or State ID makes the process much faster!)
Step 3: Choose When to Vote
Option A: Vote Early (This Weekend through Monday, March 16)
Skip the Election Day lines! You can register and vote right now.
• Chicago Voters: You can register and vote at any of the 50 Ward Early Voting sites or the Downtown Supersite (191 N. Clark).
• Suburban Cook Voters: You can register and vote at any designated suburban Early Voting center.
Option B: Vote on Election Day (Tuesday, March 17)
Polls are open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Chicago Voters: You can register and vote at your assigned home precinct (found in Step 1). Chicago voters also have the option to use any of the 51 designated "Vote Centers" (the 50 Ward sites and the Downtown Supersite) open on Election Day.
• Suburban Cook Voters: You must go to your assigned home precinct (found in Step 1) to register and vote on Election Day.