The Barrington Hills Observer

A lot of important dates and deadlines for voters lead up to Election Day on Nov. 3. Here’s what you need to know.

Election Center | Illinois Policy Institute

Illinois voters have the chance to cast a ballot in races for Illinois governor, U.S. Senate, state comptroller, Illinois General Assembly, the Chicago school board, municipal government and more.

Your vote matters — you can cast your ballot by mail, during early voting or on Election Day.

Here are four reasons to claim your vote this election:

1. Election security: Claiming your vote prevents anyone else from voting in your name. Once registered, you can request that your ballot be mailed directly to your designated address. All ballots received by the county clerk are reviewed by a bipartisan panel that verifies your signature and information against what is on file.
2. Convenience: Requesting a vote-by-mail ballot does not take away your right to vote in person. If you change your mind, you may surrender your ballot and vote in person during early voting or on Election Day.
3. Certainty: Permanent vote-by-mail status ensures you can cast your vote even if you become sick or are unable to vote in person because of unforeseen circumstances. You will automatically receive a ballot before every election, so you do not miss the opportunity to vote.
4. Vote smart: Voting by mail allows you to research candidates, judges and ballot questions from home before casting your ballot.

Here is what you need to know before casting your vote in the Nov. 3 election:

• What dates and deadlines matter
• How to find your polling place
• How to vote by mail

What dates and deadlines matter:

Sept. 24 — Early voting begins statewide. Vote-by-mail ballots start being sent out.

Oct. 6 — Regular voter registration ends.

Oct. 7 — Grace period registration opens.

Oct. 18 — Online voter registration ends.

Oct. 19 — First day of expanded early voting across Cook County.

Oct. 29 — Deadline for application to vote by mail to be received by election authority by mail.

Nov. 3 — Election Day. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked by this day.
• At 7 p.m., counting begins of absentee and vote-by -mail ballots.

Nov. 17 — Last day for election authorities to accept mailed ballots, which must be postmarked no later than Nov. 3.

How to find your polling place:

Voters can make sure their voice is heard at their polling place. Early voting is a good way to cast your vote in person yet avoid crowds on Nov. 3.

Who is eligible for early vote, same-day vote and vote-by-mail in Illinois?

You must:

• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Be a resident of Illinois and of your precinct for at least 30 days before the election.
• Be at least 18 on or before the election, Nov. 3.
• Not be serving a prison sentence.
• Not be voting anywhere else.
• Be registered to vote in Illinois.

Not sure if you’re registered? Click here to find out more.

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