Voting is one of the most important responsibilities of citizenship. As soon as you turn 18, you gain the right to help shape the future of your local community, state, and country. By voting, you have the power to make your voice heard on issues that matter to you, such as education, healthcare, and the environment. Your participation will allow you to help ensure the leaders elected represent your views and make decisions that impact your life and the lives of others in a positive way.
If you’re 18 or about to turn 18, the first step to vote is to register. In Illinois, you can do this online by visiting the Illinois State Board of Elections website. The process is straightforward—just fill out the form using your Illinois driver’s license or state ID, and you’ll be registered in minutes. The online registration deadline is Sunday, October 20, 2024.
If you prefer, you can also register by mail by downloading a voter registration form here, completing it, and mailing it to the DuPage County Clerk’s Office (421 North County Farm Road Wheaton, IL 60187), or to the State Board of Elections Voter Registration Department (2329 S. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, IL 62704). Be sure to do this before the registration deadline (Tuesday, October 8, 2024 ), and the form must be postmarked on time.
This year, Illinois residents who are 16 years old can pre-register to vote online at the Illinois State Board of Elections website,where all they have to do is answer a series of questions and provide a valid ID, Address, Driver’s License, and possibly a few other documents that will be described on the page. This new opportunity allows young people to ensure they’re ready to vote as soon as they turn 18. When you pre-register, your application will be held until you reach voting age. You’ll receive a confirmation when you’re officially registered, making it easy to stay on top of the process without worrying about missing any deadlines.
For the 2024 elections in Illinois, the rules for age are as follows:
- To vote in the Primary Election on March 19, 2024, you must have been at least 17 years old on or before that date.
- For the General Election, you must turn 18 on or before the election date on November 5, 2024.
If you meet both of these criteria, you’ll be eligible to participate in both the Primary and General Elections.
Once registered, you have a few options for how to cast your ballot. On Election Day, you can vote in person at your designated polling place, which can be found on your voter registration card which you will receive in the mail a few weeks after registering or online at this link. While bringing a valid ID isn’t always required, it can help avoid any issues at the polling place.
If you can’t vote on Election Day, Illinois allows early voting at designated locations before Election Day—just check the County Clerk’s website for early voting locations and dates. Additionally, you can vote by mail. To do this, request a mail-in ballot online at this link. Once you receive your ballot, complete it and return it by mail according to the instructions provided. You can also drop it off at a designated drop box or the County Clerk’s office.
Voting is your opportunity to make a difference. Whether it’s your first time voting or you’re pre-registering as a 16-year-old, it’s essential to be informed, prepared, and engaged. Every vote counts, and your voice matters. You have the power to make the 2024 elections a milestone in your journey as an active and responsible citizen.
