Mail-in ballots postmarked by Nov. 3 will be accepted if they arrive by Nov. 17
The graphic from the Illinois State Board of Elections shows average voter turnout since 1976. (Credit: Illinois State Board of Elections)
SPRINGFIELD – Although nearly 3.6 million Illinoisans had already voted by Monday morning, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections, nearly 2.3 million ballots are still to be cast if the state is to match the 70.56 percent turnout of 2016.
As of Monday, there were 586,709 mail-in ballots that Illinois voters had requested but not returned. As long as those ballots are post-marked by Tuesday, Nov. 3, they must be accepted by local election authorities if they arrive by Nov. 17 – two weeks after Election Day.
Those ballots can also be turned in at polling locations or deposited at official election authority drop boxes, which officials say are better options to ensure the vote is counted due to potential mail delays.
“If you still have your vote by mail ballot, you can do one of two things: Either bring it with you and vote in person (on Election Day)… or fill it out and bring it directly to your local election authority and check to see if you have a secure ballot drop box in your area,” Gov. JB Pritzker said at his daily news conference Monday. “Do not mail your ballot unless you take it directly to the post office and have it postmarked by (Election Day).”
Because of the outstanding ballots, the Elections Board is warning that election night totals are unofficial, and it could take several weeks to decide close races as officials wait for outstanding mail ballots. Election night results are always unofficial, but the volume of outstanding ballots this year means more races could take longer to decide.
“The Illinois State Board of Elections will regularly update the statewide totals for mail ballots on its website, but does not report any election results until it certifies the vote on Dec. 4. Unofficial results before certification may be obtained from local election authorities,” the Board said in a news release.
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