How to register to vote in Chicago. If you haven’t registered to vote yet – no worries now is the time to do it. Not sure if you’re registered? Check here. Don’t wait for Early Voting or Election Day to register.
The election is November 3, 2020 and it will probably be an insane asylum.
There will be early voting but toward the end of early voting (everyone waits until the last minute) the lines were so long we had to have security from the Board of Elections/Sheriff’s office come and help us manage the long lines.. Register now!
Poll worker shortages and missing polling places
If you recall there were long lines and chaos during both early voting and on Election Day during the Primary. There is going to be a shortage of poll workers and polling sites again this election due to covid. I won’t be working the Election because of Covid. And I didn’t work the Primary because the Board of Elections couldn’t find a polling place for my precinct. The building where it’s usually held refused to host us because of the virus. There will be a repeat of this in November.
Deadlines
The deadline to register to vote online is March 1. The deadline to register to vote by mail is February 18. In person, the latest day you can register to vote is on election day on March 17.
Who can register to vote?
To register to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old by the general election (November 3, 2020) and a resident of your precinct at least 30 days prior to Election Day.
COTC tip: Once you register check your status after a week or so
Sometimes things get messed up and you want to have time to get it straightened out. We have had many people who come to vote on Election Day, who say they registered, and they are not in the system. Then they have to go home and get their ID’s, proof of address etc. and come back and re-register.
Register to Vote/Change Address/Change Name
– ONLINE: Use your IL driver’s license or state ID card to register to vote or to change your name or address. Deadline: 11:59 pm, Sun., Oct. 18
Yes, you may register online at your new address using an IL state ID and/or IL driver’s license that still has your old address.
At all Early Voting sites through close of polls Nov. 3.
– With a Deputy Registrar: Register with any active deputy registrar who is affiliated with a local organization, such as a political party, ward organization or other state-certified body. Deadline for registration through deputy registrar: Tue., Oct. 6
After your registration form is processed, the Election Board will mail a new voter card.
Qualifications to Register to Vote:
To register to vote, you must:
– be a U.S. citizen, and
– be born on or before Nov. 3. 2002, and
– live in your precinct at least 30 days before the election, and
– not claim the right to vote elsewhere; and
– not be in prison/jail serving time for a conviction. (Note: Ex-convicts who have been released from prison/jail and who meet all other requirements listed above are eligible to register and vote in Illinois. Ex-convicts who have been released and are on parole/probation ARE eligible to register and vote in Illinois.)
Checking Your Voter Registration Status
New Registration Card
If you need a new or replacement voter-registration card, please send an email with “Need Registration Card” in the subject line. Be sure to include your full name, your Chicago address and your year of birth in your email to: registration@chicagoelections.gov
