Military and overseas voters
If you are a United States citizen living overseas or if you are in the Military, there are special provisions for you to register, receive, and return your ballot.
Register to vote
Visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program website to complete your Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).
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Visit the Illinois State Board of Elections website to register online.
Receiving your ballot
As a Military or overseas voter, you can request to receive your ballot by mail, fax or email. If you do not receive your ballot by 45 days prior to an election, please contact our office to make sure that we have your current information.
If we have not received your voter registration, you may need to complete a Federal Post Card Registration and Absentee Ballot Request or FPCA.
View the FPCA form (PDF).
Click here to find out what's on your ballot.
Marking your ballot
1. Mark your ballot
Mark your ballot using a dark ballpoint pen.
To vote for a candidate completely darken the oval next to your choice.
To vote on any measure, completely darken the oval next to the word Yes or No.
If you make a mistake, you can request a replacement ballot by contacting our office.
2. Review your ballot
If you vote for more candidates than allowed or if you vote both Yes and No on a measure, your vote will not count for that candidate or measure.
You do not have to vote on all contests. Those you do vote on will still count.
Check both sides of the ballot for voting contests.
Returning your ballot
Mail your ballot
- Place your ballot in the return envelope provided and seal the envelope.
- Complete the information on the back of the envelope. This includes your physical address (not a PO Box) and signature.
- Important! Sign the return envelope or your ballot cannot be counted.
- If you choose to mail your ballot, please check with the local post office to ensure your ballot will reach the elections office in time for it to be counted.
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Fax your ballot
- If you choose to fax your ballot, you must also fax an Oath of Voter cover sheet.
- Fax number for voted ballots: 217-799-6174.
- Important! If you choose to mail your ballot, please check with the local post office to ensure your ballot will reach the elections office in time for it to be counted.
If you have any questions please contact us.
Additional Resources
For more information about voting in the Military or when living overseas:
Visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program website to start the overseas voting process.
Nonpartisan voter services for Military and overseas voters on the Overseas Vote Foundation website.