Voter Qualifications

Registration 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 Election Day
You also must display 2 pieces of identification. Neither needs to be a photo ID, but 1 must include your current address. Acceptable forms of ID include:
  • Birth certificate
  • Credit card
  • Employee or student ID
  • Illinois driver's license
  • Illinois state ID
  • Lease or rental contract 
  • Mail postmarked to the applicant
  • Public aid ID card
  • Social security card
  • Utility bill in applicant's name
  • Valid U.S. passport

In Illinois, you do not declare affiliation with a political party when you register to vote. In primary elections, you may choose to vote a specific political party ballot on Election Day.

Completed Voter Registration Applications are forwarded to the Cook County Clerk’s Election Department in Chicago, Illinois. Official Voter Cards are then mailed from the County to each registrant at their home address within approximately 6 weeks of registration.

Note: Registration closes 28 days prior to an election and resumes 2 days after an election.