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Vote before Election Day






Starting as early as the 40th day prior to any election, voters may vote at their county election office or early voting place determined by the county. An Illinois County resident may go to any early voting location in the county, regardless of where you live.

If you are not registered, you can register and vote at a designated early voting location during the grace period.

You do not need an excuse or reason to vote early.

What to expect





Election workers are trained to answer your questions and help you, if you ask them for assistance. Learn more about accessible voting, including curbside voting, in Illinois County.

The election workers must determine if you are registered before you can vote. If you are not registered in Illinois County, you have the opportunity to do so during the grace period.

Registering during the grace period





The grace period for the March 15, 2016 General Primary Election is from February 17 through March 14. If you are not registered to vote in Illinois County, you need to complete the voter registration application and provide two forms of acceptable identification.

To register you must:
  • Be a US citizen.
  • Be at least 18 years old by Election Day; 17 years old to vote in a General Primary if you will be 18 years old by the following General Election.
  • Be resident of the precinct at least 30 days prior to Election Day.
  • Not be in jail.
  • Not claim the right to vote elsewhere.

A new voter who registers during the grace period must present two forms of identification, at least one of which shows the current address. 

Acceptable forms of identification include:
  • Driver's license
  • State identification card
  • Passport
  • Current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck stub, or other government document that shows your name and address.

Once you are registered to vote, you are eligible to receive and vote a ballot at the same location.

Voting early





All Illinois County registered voters are eligible to receive a ballot at an early voting location. Early voting for the March 15, 2016 General Election Primary will be from February 4 - March 14.

The election workers must determine if you are registered to vote in Illinois County.

An election worker will ask you to say:
  • Your name
  • Your current residential address
  • Your party affiliation, if it is a primary election
Election workers determine your eligibility by reviewing a database using the information you tell them.

If you are eligible, you:
  1. Sign your name.
  2. Receive your ballot.  
  3. Vote your ballot in a private voting booth.
  4. Review your ballot. Ask for a new ballot if you make a mistake.
  5. Place your ballot in the voting machine.
  6. Receive your "I voted" sticker.
How to mark your ballot
  • Mark your ballot using a black ballpoint pen.
  • To vote for a candidate, completely darken the oval next to the candidate's name.
  • To vote on any measure, completely darken the oval next to the word Yes or the word No.
  • To vote for a write-in candidate, write the person's name on the blank line then completely darken the oval beside the written name. Write-in votes will only be counted for candidates who qualify.
  • If you make a mistake, you can request a replacement ballot by asking an election worker.

 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 your ballot for voting contests.

Where to vote before Election Day

What's on the ballot