Before Election Day
How do I get started?
Before you can vote in an election, you must register to vote.
To register to vote, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen
- At least 18 years old by Election Day
- A resident of your precinct at least 30 days prior to an election
Where and how do I register?
Those eligible to vote have a variety of ways to register.
Mail
Complete and return a mail-in registration application to the Clerk's office.
- Call to request a registration form from the Clerk's office, (312) 603-0906.
- Download and print a registration form.
In person
You can register at any village, city or township hall office in suburban Cook County. Drivers license facilities and other state agencies also offer voter registration.
You can also visit one of the six Cook County Clerk's office locations:
Is there a deadline to register?
You must register to vote no later than 28 days before an election.
How will I know that I am registered?
Each newly registered voter will receive a voter identification card in the mail within a few weeks of registering. It is not necessary to bring the card with you on Election Day.
You can also check online by typing your address, or call (312) 603-0906 to verify your registration.
Do I have to re-register every election?
Your registration is permanent unless you move or change your name. In those instances, you must re-register.
Do I have to declare a political party preference?
In Illinois, you do not declare affiliation with a political party when you register. In primary elections, you must choose to vote a specific political party ballot on Election Day.
When do I vote?
Election Day for even-year elections takes place throughout the County on the third Tuesday in March (primary election) and the first Tuesday in November (general election). During odd-years, elections take place the third Tuesday in February (primary election) in some suburbs and the first Tuesday in April (general election) throughout suburban Cook County.
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Election Day.
Where do I vote?
On Election Day, you will cast your ballot in a polling place, usually in a public building, near your home, that serves as a polling place.
If you live in suburban Cook County, you will receive a brochure before each election that lists the address of your polling place.
You can also call the Clerk's office at (312) 603-0906.
What's on my ballot?
Before the election, you can learn more about the candidates and referendums on your ballot online.
You can type in your address to download a personalized virtual ballot that lists every office and referendum that will appear on your Election Day ballot. You can also call (312) 603-0906 to receive a sample ballot in the mail.
What if I can't make it to my polling place?
If you are unable to make it to your polling place on Election Day, you may be eligible to vote by absentee ballot before the election. Common reasons for voting absentee include being out of town or physically disabled.
Voters who wish to vote absentee must submit an absentee ballot application no later than five days before an Election. Download and print an absentee application online, or call (312) 603-0906 to receive one in the mail.
How can I help with elections?
Registered voters who are residents of Cook County are encouraged to serve as election judges in suburban Cook County.
Each judge receives $150 to attend a training session, open the polls on Election Day, oversee elections and certify vote totals after the polls close. To learn more about becoming an election judge, e-mail electjudge@cookcountygov.com or call (312) 603-0965.
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On Election Day
What if I'm not listed as being registered?
You can vote a provisional ballot if there is a question regarding your registration or eligibility to vote.
A provisional ballot is just like a regular ballot, but it doesn't get counted unless election officials verify your registration and eligibility after the election.
What if I make a mistake?
If you make a mistake while voting your ballot, ask an election judge for a new ballot.
Can I receive help voting my ballot?
If you have difficulty punching your ballot, you may request assistance from a friend, family member or election judges in your precinct. Both the voter and the individual(s) providing assistance must sign a legal affidavit.
What options do voters with disabilities have?
The Clerk's office is committed to enhancing access to the polls to make it easier for disabled voters to cast ballots independently.
Several assistance programs and services are available, including curbside voting, absentee voting, wheelchair-accessible voting equipment and voting aids. For more information, call the Clerk's disability coordinator at (312) 603-0929 or e-mail accessibility@cookcountygov.com.
What will happen at the polling place?
Five election judges will guide you through the voting process.
 | Step 1: Two election judges will locate your application for ballot form, which includes your name, address and precinct information. You sign the form and the judges make sure your signature matches the one you provided when you registered to vote. |
 | Step 2: Another election judge will offer to demonstrate proper voting technique. The judge will also give you a ballot card and guide you to the correct voting booth. |
 | Step 3: At the voting booth, you will make your ballot selections. After voting, place your ballot card into a security sleeve so no one can see who you voted for. |
 | Step 4: Walk over to a vote-counting machine called the Precinct Ballot Counter (PBC) and insert your ballot into the machine. An election judge will help you if you have any questions. |
One election serves as the provisional voting judge and will provide assistance if you cast a provisional ballot, which is issued if your registration or eligibility to vote has been questioned.
How do I vote?
Voting instructions are posted on each voting booth on Election Day. You can also view voting instructions online.
What if I need help on Election Day?
| General Information | (312) 603-0906 |
| TDD | (312) 603-0902 |
| Online | www.voterinfonet.com |
| Polling places | (312) 603-0906 |
| Vote fraud hotline | (312) 603-0909 |
| Disability coordinator | (312) 603-0929 |
| Espaņol | (312) 603-6767 |
| Chinese | (312) 603-6769 |
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