Illinois voter registration deadlines and how to make sure you can vote

The 2026 Illinois primary election is just around the corner, but even if you haven’t registered to vote, you still have plenty of time.

The primary election is set to take place on March 17, and several key deadlines are coming up for voter registration in the state of Illinois.

Here’s everything you need to know about voter registration ahead of the primary.

Regular Voter Registration

Voter registration is available at your local county clerk’s office, or residents can download applications, either in English or in Spanish, from the board of elections’ website.

If voters do not have a driver’s license, state ID card or Social Security Number, and the form is submitted via mail, then the voter must sent a copy of a current photo ID or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.

If a voter does not submit that information, then they will be required to do so when they vote in person.

The registration deadline for regular voter registration is February 17.

To register to vote in Illinois, voters must:

-Be a U.S. citizen

-Be at least 17 years old on or before of the date of the primary election and turn 18 on or before the date of the general election.

-Must live in your election precinct at least 30 days prior to Election Day.

-Must not be serving a sentence of confinement at any penal institution as the result of a conviction.

-Must not claim the right to vote anywhere else.

How to Check Your Registration

Before registering to vote, voters can check to see if they’re already registered on the Board of Elections’ lookup tool. There, voters can either proceed to signing up to register, or they can update their information.

Online Voter Registration

Voter registration can also be done online via the Board of Elections’ website, and the deadline is slightly later than regular registration.

That deadline will arrive on March 1.

The online application to register to vote is similar to the printout available on the Board of Elections’ website.

Grace Period Voter Registration and Same Day Voter Registration

If voters miss the in-person and online deadlines for regular registration, there is no need to fear, because voters can register and vote on the same day.

Grace period voter registration carries through Election Day, and that registration can be done at any early voting location or the county clerk’s office.

With grace period voter registration, voters must register and then immediately cast their ballots in-person.

Upon arrival, voters will need to bring two forms of identification. One of those forms must show the voter’s current address, and the list of acceptable ID can include a driver’s license, a bank statement, a residency contract or lease, a utility bill, or a state ID card.

A full list can be found on the board’s website.

Voters can also register to vote on Election Day, but they will need to check the board of elections’ website to see if their polling place is equipped to handle those registrations, as election judges have to have special training to perform those registrations.