In Illinois, citizens must fill out the Illinois Online Voter Registration Application to prove that they meet the requirements to vote. To vote in the U.S. election, the potential voter must be a U.S. citizen who has lived in their election precinct for at least 30 days before the date of the election. At 17, students can vote in the Primary Election (the election used to choose presidential candidates for each party) if the student is 18 before Election Day. This year the Election falls on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
If a voter meets these requirements, they can begin the process of registering to vote. Here is what is required: voters must have two forms of identification, and one of those pieces of ID must contain the person’s current address. In-person registration is offered at the County Clerk’s Office, the Board of Elections Commissioners’ Office, City and Village Offices, Township Offices, schools, public libraries, Military Recruitment Offices, and any other location designated by the election authority.
A mail-in form requires proof of identity meaning a driver’s license or State ID card number. If the person cannot supply either of those, the last four digits of their social security number, a valid photo ID, or any other government document showing the person’s name and address will need to be submitted. The form must be postmarked before the registration date closes.
To register for online voting, a person must go to the Illinois State Board of Elections website and select “Online Voter Registration”. The person must provide an Illinois driver’s license or a State ID number, along with the date the license or ID was issued, and the last four digits of their social security number.
In person and mail-in voter registration closes 28 days before the election date, Nov. 5, 2024, while online registration closes 16 days before. “Vote.gov” is a helpful site for anyone looking to register by mail, online, and in person.