Chicago skyline at dusk
November 3, 2026 General Election

YOUR VOTE
SHAPES
CHICAGO

John Kitover is running for Mayor of Chicago. Help build a stronger city — make sure you're registered to vote for the November 3, 2026 General Election.

Nov 3
Election Day
3 Ways
to Register
Free
Same-Day Reg.
01
Eligibility

AM I ELIGIBLE
TO VOTE?

Illinois makes it straightforward. If you meet these simple requirements, you have the right to vote — and we want to make sure you exercise it.

You are a United States citizen
You are at least 18 years old on or before Election Day (17-year-olds may register and vote in a primary if they turn 18 by the following general election)
You have been a resident of your Chicago address for at least 30 days before the election
You can register and vote regardless of previous criminal history
No driver's license is required — a state-issued ID is sufficient for online registration

Not sure if you're registered? Use the Chicago Board of Elections Voter Lookup to check your status instantly.

Chicago residents voting at a community polling location
Chicago Board of Elections
69 W Washington St, Suites 600/800 · (312) 269-7900
Registration

3 WAYS TO
REGISTER

Illinois offers three paths to registration. Choose the one that works best for you — and remember, same-day registration is always available.

01

Register Online

Deadline: October 18, 2026

The fastest way to register. You must have a state-issued Illinois ID or driver's license. Takes less than 5 minutes.

Register Online Now
02

Register by Mail

Form must be received by October 6, 2026

Download the form, fill it out, and mail it to the Chicago Board of Elections at 69 W Washington St, Suite 600/800, Chicago, IL 60602.

Download Form (English)
03

Register In Person

Available through Election Day

Visit the Chicago Board of Elections (69 W Washington St), any early voting site, libraries, schools, or local government offices. Same-day registration available on Election Day.

Find a Location

Missed the Deadline? Same-Day Registration Is Available!

Starting October 7, 2026, you can register and vote on the same day at early voting sites. On Election Day, same-day registration is available at every precinct polling place across Chicago.

Find a Location
Important Dates

KEY DATES
TO REMEMBER

Aug 5, 2026

Vote by Mail Applications Open

Sep 24, 2026

Early Voting Begins (Downtown Supersite & Board of Elections)

Oct 6, 2026DEADLINE

Last Day to Submit Paper Voter Registration Forms

Oct 7, 2026

Same-Day Registration Opens at Supersite & Board of Elections

Oct 18, 2026DEADLINE

Last Day for Online Voter Registration

Oct 19, 2026

Early Voting & Same-Day Registration Opens in All 50 Wards

Oct 29, 2026DEADLINE

Last Day to Apply for Vote by Mail Ballot

Nov 3, 2026ELECTION DAY

Election Day — Polls Open 6 AM to 7 PM

Dates sourced from the Chicago Board of Elections and the League of Women Voters Chicago. Always verify at chicagoelections.gov.

Vote by Mail

CAN'T MAKE IT
TO THE POLLS?
VOTE BY MAIL.

Every registered Chicago voter is eligible to vote by mail. It's secure, convenient, and your ballot counts just the same. Apply starting August 5, 2026.

Applications openAugust 5, 2026
Ballots mailed outSeptember 24, 2026
Last day to applyOctober 29, 2026
Postmark deadlineNovember 3, 2026
Last day to arriveNovember 17, 2026
Apply for Vote by Mail

Permanent Roster

Join the Permanent Vote by Mail Roster to automatically receive a ballot for every election.

Track Your Ballot

Check the status of your Vote by Mail request and whether your ballot was counted at chicagoelections.gov.

Early Voting

Vote early at over 50 ward locations starting October 19, 2026. No excuse needed.

Downtown Supersite

137 S State St — Early voting and same-day registration available from September 24, 2026.

FAQ

COMMON
QUESTIONS

Have questions about registering to vote in Chicago? We've got answers. For the most up-to-date information, always check the official Chicago Board of Elections website.

VERIFY YOUR
REGISTRATION

Even if you think you're registered, it's worth a quick check. Use the official Chicago Board of Elections Voter Information Lookup to verify your registration, find your polling place, and view your sample ballot.