Be a Voter to Help End Hunger
The next local Election Day is March 17, 2020. Engage your community in our democratic process. Find important dates and information for Cook County voters here.
Get Registered to Vote
It’s not too late to register to vote in Illinois.
Eligibility
Eligible voters must fulfill ALL of the following criteria to be eligible to vote in Illinois:
- be a U.S. citizen
- be born on or before November 2, 2002
- live in your precinct at least 30 days before the election
- not claim the right to vote elsewhere
- not be in prison/jail serving time for a conviction.
Note: Returning citizens who have been released from prison/jail and who meet all other requirements listed above are eligible to register and vote in Illinois. This includes people who are on parole or probation.
How to Register
You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person. Follow the links to find out how to register or update your address.
More information:
For City of Chicago voters
For suburban Cook County voters
Voters Experiencing Homelessness
People experiencing homelessness are eligible to vote in Illinois. Their current mailing address is recognized as their residence for voting purposes.
To provide proof of address, people experiencing homelessness should present one of the following items at the polls:
- A piece of mail addressed to the voter
- A statement or letter from a case manager, homeowner, or religious leader that states the voter is allowed to use this mailing address
- An ID card issued by a homeless shelter showing the name and mailing address of the voter.
Grace Period Registration and Voting
Grace period registration and voting allows non-registered voters to register and vote at the same time. Individuals seeking grace period registration must take two forms of identification to their polling place.
More information:
For City of Chicago Voters
For Suburban Cook County Voters
Voting Before Election Day
Early voting sites and mail-in ballots are available to make voting more convenient
Early Voting: March 2 Through 16
Plan ahead if you can’t make it to the polls on Election Day. Early voting ends February 25.
City of Chicago Voters: Early voting is taking place in all 50 Wards and in the Loop.
Suburban Cook County Voters: The Cook County Clerk’s Office has 52 Early Voting sites across suburban communities.
Vote by Mail
You can vote without leaving your home. Vote by Mail applications must be submitted online or at received at the offices by 5:00 pm.
Mail Ballot Applications
For City of Chicago Voters
For Suburban Cook County Voters
Voting on Election Day: Tuesday, March 17
Vote at your home polling place on Election Day
Reminder: On Election Day, you must vote at your assigned polling place.
Find Your Polling Place
City of Chicago Polling Places
Suburban Cook County Polling Places
For Assistance on Election Day, call your election office:
Chicago Board of Elections: (312) 269-7870
Cook County Clerk’s Office: (312) 603-0236
Register to Vote on Election Day
Eligible voters can still register and vote at their home polling place on Election Day. Bring two forms of identification to register.
City of Chicago Identification
Suburban Cook County Identification
Working at the Polls
Opportunities to make a difference and earn money on Election Day
The Chicago Board of Elections and the Cook County Clerk’s Office are hiring people to help administer the election. You’ll have the opportunity to earn between $120 and $450 for your service while assisting your neighbors with their civic duty.
Apply to be an Election Judge
City of Chicago Election Judge Information
Suburban Cook County Election Judge Information