Published on August 18, 2026 2:40 pm
Last Updated on August 18, 2026 2:49 pm
Effingham County Clerk and Recorder Michelle M. Kollmann issued the following news release, regarding the Permanent Vote By Mail Program Mailing:
This week voters in Effingham County will be receiving a postcard from the Effingham County Clerk’s office for the Permanent Vote by Mail program. This program is designed to make voting more accessible and ensures that every eligible voter has the opportunity to enroll.
Under Illinois law, the County Clerk is required to send correspondence prior to a General Election to every registered voter unless that voter has already opted out or is enrolled in the Permanent Vote by Mail program.
This mailing requirement ensures voters are informed of their options. The voter may choose to request a vote by mail ballot for the November 3, 2026 General Election only, choose the Permanent Vote by Mail option in which they can elect a ballot be sent to them every election, or the voter can choose to “Opt-Out”. The opt-out option informs the clerk’s office that the voter would like to be removed from the permanent vote by mail list.
It is important to note that opting out of Permanent Vote by Mail does not prevent a voter from voting by mail in the future elections. Applications to receive a vote by mail ballot are always available prior to each election. The voter may access these forms on the county website at https://effinghamcountyil.gov/ or in person at the clerk’s office.
Voters may return their completed and signed postcard in person at the Effingham County Clerk’s office located at 101 N. Fourth St, Effingham IL 62401 or return the postcard by mail to PO Box 628, Effingham IL 62401.
If you don’t want to receive any future Permanent Vote by Mail correspondence, we strongly encourage voters to send back the postcard marking the opt-out selection. To reduce unwanted mail, please return the postcard and select “Opt-Out”.
Vote by mail continues to play a vital role in the election process. For many voters, it provides a flexible, convenient and reliable way to cast a ballot.
The first day to mail a ballot for the November 3, 2026 General Election is Thursday, September 24, 2026.
