Illinois
- Look at this PowerPoint to learn how to fill out an absentee ballot and contact us at sewaneevotes@sewanee.edu if you have any further questions.
Important Dates
In Person: 28 days before Election Day, after which you may register during the early voting period through Election Day. | By Mail: Postmarked 28 days before Election Day. | Online: 16 days before Election Day. | Election Day: You can also register in person (and vote) at your local elections office during the "grace period." The grace period starts 27 days before Election Day and ends on Election Day. Grace Period Voting does NOT take place at your regular polling place. Grace Period Voting almost always happens at your Local Election Office. Contact your Local Election Office for more information. |
Getting Started
- Visit Sewanee’s TurboVote page to receive help with registering to vote or voting
- TurboVote can help students with things like:
- Requesting and submitting absentee ballots
- Registering to vote, updating voter information, or checking voter registration
- Receiving election information
- You can also visit Illinois’ voter registration page for similar assistance and information
- NOTE: If you are already registered, when asked you should choose "Change your current registration address." Then you will just re-enter your current address as your new address. You have to do it this way because there is not yet an option for "I have no change of address; I just want to request my vote-by-mail ballot."
- You can request a vote-by-mail ballot as you complete the online voter registration form. Be sure to complete all the pages until you reach the page that says "The information you provided SUCCESSFULLY MATCHED. Your application is now being processed". You will receive an email confirmation, too.
- As an alternative, if you are already registered and live in Cook County including Chicago. there is a quicker online request for vote-by-mail ballot here: https://mailvoting.cookcountyclerkil.gov/
- Only use this option if for some reason you are unable to register/update online. For example, register by mail if you don’t have an IL Driver’s License/State ID.
- To register by mail, print and mail the form linked above to your local elections authority.
- Registration Deadlines
- Remember to check up on your registration status here and if it is not updated within 2 weeks of your submission, contact your local election authority
- As a college student should I use my school or home address to vote?
- Many students prefer to register in their home state especially if they’re planning to move back after college. If you’re registered to vote in your home state, though, make sure to request an absentee ballot.
- You can register to vote in your college state as long as you aren’t also registered to vote in your home state. You can only vote in the state you’re registered in. Some students prefer to register in their college state if they’re involved in things like local political organizations or activist groups.
- Students with scholarships or tuition that require residency should check with their financial aid office before registering to vote back home. For example, if you have a scholarship that requires Illinois residency, you should ensure that registering to vote in a different state will not affect your status.
- You have a right to register to vote at the address you consider the place where you live, whether that is your family's home or the place where you attend school.
Absentee Voting
- To request an absentee ballot you have to apply by mail. You can receive guidance through TurboVote.
- Make sure to have the ballot sent to you at the address you plan to be at when it arrives
- To request an absentee ballot, fill out this application in blue or black pen and ensure that you sign with the same signature you used to register to vote. Then mail the application to your local elections authority.
- Absentee Ballot Submission Deadlines
- Absentee Ballot Tracker
- After you receive and complete your ballot, send it to your local elections authority.
- In Illinois, any registered Illinois voter may apply for an absentee ballot and vote by mail. You do not need to provide an excuse.
- You can read more about your state’s absentee ballot rules here
- If you've voted in Illinois before or provided ID at the time of registration, you don't need to provide ID to vote by mail.
- If you are voting by mail ballot for the first time and have not previously provided ID, you must provide a copy of one of the following documents with your absentee ballot:
- Current and valid photo ID
- Utility bill
- Bank statement
- Government check
- Paycheck
- Government document with the voter's name and address
- Student ID with (i) a copy of your lease or (ii) postmarked mail at current residence
- Read this article to learn about how your state may verify absentee ballots. There’s also a chance your ballot may tell you it needs to be signed in the presence of a witness or notary public, so if this applies to you see the How to Vote Absentee PowerPoint for more information.
Common Issues and Questions
- What if I don't have an IL Driver's License/State ID and/or SSN?
- If you don’t have an IL Driver’s License/State ID you can still register to vote/submit an absentee ballot by using your social security number (SSN). It’s better to use your Driver’s License/State ID, though.
- If you don’t have any of these things, you need to submit a copy of an alternative form of identification in the form of an approved photo ID or a document that shows your name and home address along with your registration application and mail ballot.
- What if the name or address on my ID is incorrect?
- The name or address on your ID doesn’t have to be current, however, you must provide an up-to-date name, home, and mailing address for your voter registration. This means that if your information has changed since you last registered to vote, you need to update/re-register.
- Does where I register to vote affect my financial aid?
- No, it will not affect any federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, Perkins and Stafford Loans, Academic Competitive Grants, SMART Grants, and other federal loans. Some private scholarships and grants are designated for residents of a particular place, so it is good to check with the administrator of the program to see how they determine residency.
- Does where I register to vote affect my health insurance?
- No, where you register to vote will not affect your health insurance.
- Does where I register to vote affect whether my parents can claim me on their taxes?
- No, a parent can still claim a child on their taxes, no matter where they are registered to vote.
- Make sure that your signature on anything you submit regarding voting (e.g., absentee ballots or voter registration) matches the one on your IL State ID/Driver’s License
- You can still vote absentee if you’re studying abroad. Usa.gov is a great resource for anyone needing to vote overseas.
- Read more FAQ here
Resources
- Columbia College’s Illinois Voting Guide
- Tips for Registering & Voting on Campus
- Voting in College Know Your Rights