YOUTH AND THE VOTE

2026

Illinois voters can use state resources to register, locate their election authority, research candidates, review election calendars, and learn about early and mail voting.

OFFICIAL ELECTION INFORMATION
Illinois State Board of Elections
https://www.elections.il.gov/

VOTER REGISTRATION
https://ova.elections.il.gov/

Use Illinois’ online voter registration system to register or update eligible voter information.

CHECK VOTER INFORMATION
https://ova.elections.il.gov/

Review registration information and access available voter services.

FIND YOUR LOCAL ELECTION AUTHORITY
https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/ElectionAuthorities.aspx

Find the local election office responsible for voting services in your county or jurisdiction.

ELECTION CALENDAR
https://www.elections.il.gov/Main/Calendar.aspx

Review official election dates, filing deadlines, and other important election information.

VOTE-BY-MAIL INFORMATION
https://www.elections.il.gov/

Find information about requesting a vote-by-mail ballot, returning a ballot, and checking local election procedures.

EARLY VOTING
https://www.elections.il.gov/

Review early voting information and contact your local election authority for locations and hours.

CANDIDATE AND ELECTION INFORMATION
https://www.elections.il.gov/

Use state election resources to research candidates, offices, election results, and official voting information.

ACCESSIBLE VOTING
https://www.elections.il.gov/

Contact your local election authority for information about accessible voting equipment, assistance, and accommodations.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE
Illinois voters should use their local election authority for the most accurate information about polling locations, ballot availability, and local election services.

GENERAL VOTER INFORMATION

YourVoiceMatters.vote

Voting rules and election procedures vary by state and locality. Official state election websites should be used to confirm registration status, deadlines, polling places, ballot instructions, and identification requirements.

Voters should research candidates and ballot measures using official voter guides, candidate information, public records, and other reliable sources. Voters should also check accessibility services, language assistance, and military or overseas voting options when needed.

Your voice matters. Your vote is your choice.

2024

TOP STRATEGIES/INITIATIVES TO INCREASE REGISTRATION & TURNOUT

Statewide Policies and Resources

• Illinois’ official elections portal.
• ID rules and helpline for Illinois voters.
• Illinois: Election deadlines, dates, and rules

High school Initiatives

• Illinois legislature requires that every high school provide a one page information sheet on voter registration to their students.
• Cook County Clerk’s office operates a high school program which enlists students as paid judges and as deputy registrars on Election Day as well as encouraging student registration.  

College and University initiatives

• 45 campuses statewide participated in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. 
  • The University of Illinois at Chicago has now updated their award-winning action plan with campus-wide activities planned year round to turn out the vote in 2022. 
• The Illinois State University Redbirds Vote initiative worked to promote civic engagement and broadened their restoration efforts to outreach to youth, especially  of color and tribal communities
• ILLINOIS CAMPUS VOTER GUIDE

Other Factors and Initiatives

• Illinois Ballotpedia hub.
• In response to pandemic, Illinois enacted legislation to ensure that “. . . all eligible residents can wield their right to vote in  a way that doesn’t risk their personal health”— making Election Day a holiday, closing schools except as polling places, expanding vote by mail, and voting hours.