Plenty of Options if You Want to Vote in Illinois

BY KAY SHIPMAN, FARM WEEK NOW

Illinoisans eligible to vote will find opportunities to cast a ballot in the March 20 primary election.

Most recently, the state now allows eligible Illinoisans to register to vote when they get or renew a driver’s license. Gov. Bruce Rauner signed motor voter legislation last August. Those not already registered in the state may answer “yes” to a voter question on the license application and receive a voter registration packet in the mail.

Information about registering through the Motor Vehicle Division is available by visiting this link.

Eligible residents must be at least 18. Seventeen-year-olds may register and vote in the primary election only if they will turn 18 on or before the Nov. 6 general election.

Residents unsure of their registration status may visit this link. The deadline to complete a standard registration form is Feb. 20. A registration form may be downloaded by visiting this link.

To register online, an individual must supply an Illinois driver’s license or Illinois State identification number, the date the license or identification was issued, the last four digits of his or her Social Security number and birthdate. March 4 is the last day for online registration to vote in the March primary.

Individuals also may register to vote at a local election authority office. Contact those authorities for location and business hours.

If March 20 doesn’t fit your schedule, registered voters may choose different options, according to the Illinois Board of Elections.

Early voting in the primary starts Feb. 8 and ends March 19 in the office of a local election authority and temporary locations. Check with local election authorities for polling places and early voting hours at each location.

Grace period registration and voting starts Feb. 21 and ends March 20. Once registered during the grace period, a voter casts a ballot at the election authority’s office or a specifically designated location.

Residents may also request to receive a ballot in the mail with Feb. 8 being the first day a ballot may be mailed. Election authorities must receive those ballots in the mail by March 15.