Illinois Primary Election Day: How to vote

Illinois Primary Election Day: How to vote

March 19 is Primary Election Day in Illinois. Here’s a guide on how, when and where to vote.

March 19 is the final day to vote in Illinois’ Primary Election. While the major parties have left little doubt as to who their presidential candidates will be, there are still tax issues and local offices to be decided.

Here’s what to know.

Where do I go?

The Illinois State Board of Elections has a polling place lookup tool if you’re unsure of where to go vote.

What do I need to bring?

Voters are allowed to bring notes and endorsement sheets into voting booths. You do not need to show identification. However, if you aren’t registered to vote at your current address you may need to show a form of ID. The following are acceptable forms of ID:

  • A current and valid photo identification
  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Government check
  • Paycheck
  • Lease or contract for residence
  • Student ID and mail addressed to voter’s residence
  • Government document

What’s on the ballot?

Click here to see what specific offices are up for election on your ballot.

If you are in the city of Chicago, here’s information on the tax hike referendum.

I want to vote in person but have a mail-in ballot. What can I do?

If you’ve requested a ballot to vote by mail, you can exchange the mail ballot at your nearest polling place for a regular ballot. Then you follow the normal in-person voting procedure.

A mail-in ballot needs to be postmarked by Election Day, but mailed ballots are accepted up to 14 days after the election. A mail ballot can also be delivered in person by using a drop-off box until polls close at 7 p.m. on Election Day.

When can I vote?

Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on March 19.

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