Illinois Polls Open 6 a.m. Tuesday

Illinois voters will cast ballots on Tuesday, Nov. 3, for contests at the local, state, and federal levels. The state offers three methods to vote: in person on Election Day, early in person, or by mail.

Polling stations across the state will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Anyone standing in line by 7 p.m. retains the right to finish voting after the official closing time. Early voting hours and locations differ by county and election authority, so residents must check specific local schedules. Voters should verify their assigned polling place using the Illinois State Board of Elections lookup tool, as Election Day sites may differ from early voting locations.

Registered voters can request a mail-in ballot from their local election authority. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot passed on Thursday, Oct. 29. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 to count. Voters should follow the specific instructions provided with their ballot envelope.

Residents who are not yet registered can do so in person at designated locations during early voting and on Election Day. Not every polling place offers same-day registration, so voters must confirm availability with their local election authority. In-person registrants generally need two forms of identification, including proof of current address.

Most Illinois voters do not need to show ID when voting in person. Exceptions include some first-time voters who registered by mail without providing required identification documents. ID may also be required for same-day registration or if eligibility questions arise.

Voters are advised to check their registration status and review candidates before Tuesday. The state’s official election website provides resources for registration and ballot information. The Illinois State Board of Elections serves as the primary source for polling place and voter registration data.