Register to Vote
Registering to vote allows you to participate in the electoral process and gives you the power to make a difference in deciding who will represent your interests.
With more venues offering different ways to sign up, registering to vote has never been easier or more convenient.
Recent changes in state election law -- including a new procedure called 'grace-period registration and voting' that extends the registration deadline -- have made it more convenient to sign up and vote.
Depending on when you register, there are new guidelines and restrictions that determine when and where you can vote.
Voter qualifications
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
Illinois voters do not need to register by political party or declare a political party membership or preference. However, voters may select a specific political party's ballot at their polling place when voting in a primary election.
Where and how to register
For the March 21, 2006 primary election:
Regular voter registration ends February 21, 2006
There are several convenient methods of registering
- Mail-in application form
You can complete a mail-in voter application form and return it to the Cook County Clerk's office. Voter registration applications are available in English, Spanish and Chinese (select from the list on the right). Also, instructions are available in Polish.
The completed form must be postmarked by February 21. Mail it to the Cook County Clerk's office.
The Clerk's office can also mail you an application form. Call (312) 603-0906 to request one.
Federal law requires first-time voters who register by mail to show proof of identification in order to vote. If you register by mail, you must vote in person the first time, not by mail.
When submitting a voter registration application:
- Fill out the entire application
- Sign the application
- Mail the completed, signed application to:
David Orr, Cook County Clerk
69 W. Washington St., Room 500
Chicago, IL 60602
- Visit
Eligible voters can also register to vote in person by going to:
- Deputy registrars
Trained volunteer deputy registrars may register you to vote.
- If you register before the regular registration deadline, you can vote early
Starting in 2006, any registered voter may cast a ballot at one of the Clerk's early voting sites from Monday, February 27, through Thursday, March 16. Otherwise, you can vote at your polling place on Election Day.
Grace-period registration and voting
February 22 through March 7, 2006
At the Cook County Clerk's main office:
There is only one way and one place to register during the 14-day grace period. Unregistered voters must sign up to vote in person at the Clerk's downtown Chicago office: 69 W. Washington St., Room 500. You must show two pieces of identification to register.
Grace-period voters must vote absentee. You can: 1) vote in person at the Clerk's downtown office immediately after signing up to vote; or 2) receive an absentee ballot by mail that you can complete at home and return to the Clerk's office before Election Day.
Grace-period registrants are not allowed to vote at the polls on Election Day or vote at any early voting site.
How do I know I'm registered?
After processing your registration application, the Clerk's office will mail you a voter identification card. The card lists your precinct information and voting districts.
Check your voting eligibility online. If you have questions about your voting status, please e-mail voterreg@cookcountygov.com or call (312) 603-0906.
When to re-register
Your registration is permanent unless you move or change your name.
Address changes
If you have moved within suburban Cook County, you must transfer your registration by re-registering. You may choose to write your new address on the back of your voter identification card and mail it to the Clerk's office.
You must re-register with the local election authority or county clerk if you move to an address outside suburban Cook County.
Name changes
Beginning in 2006, voters who legally change their name no longer have to re-register. If you have changed your name, you can vote after updating your information at the polls.
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