Voter Registration & Information

Important Dates

Election related dates for voters so you don't miss any important deadlines.

Voter Registration

How to Register

Online:

You can register in-person at least 16 days before an election.

• Illinois Online Voter ApplicationExternal Link
• Solicitud de registro de votantes en línea de IllinoisExternal Link

By Mail:

You can register by mail (postmarked) at least 28 days before an election.

• English ApplicationPDF File
• Solicitud en españolPDF File
• Aplikacja hiszpańskaPDF File
• Mail application to:
  • Cook County Clerk’s Office
    69 W. Washington, Suite 500
    Chicago, IL 60602

In-person:

You can register in-person at least 28 days before an election.

• Early Voting SitesExternal Link
• Cook County Clerk locationsExternal Link
• Illinois Secretary of State facilityExternal Link

Grace Period / Election Day:

You can register in-person & vote in-person during early voting & on election day.

• Election day registration is available only at your proper polling place
• Look up polling placeExternal Link

Registration Requirements

To Register you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Reside in the county for at least 30 days prior to the election
• Be at least 18 years old by the general election

Bring two forms of ID:

• Driver’s license
• Social security card
• Current utility bill
• Credit card
• Student identification card
• Union membership card
• See full listExternal Link

Voting & Polling Places

Vote By Mail:

Any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot up to 5 days before an election.

• Request an Absentee Ballot
• Online ApplicationExternal Link
• Permanent Vote By Mail OPT-INExternal Link
• English ApplicationPDF File
• Solicitud en españolPDF File
• Aplikacja hiszpańskaPDF File
• Mail Request to:
• Cook County Clerk’s Office
  Mail Voting Unit
  69 W. Washington, Suite 500
  Chicago, IL 60602
• Return an Absentee Ballot
• Use return postage to mail Ballot back through the U.S. Postal ServiceExternal Link
• Mail Ballot Drop Box LocationsExternal Link

Early Voting:

Voters do not need to provide an excuse or reason why they cannot vote on Election Day.

• Find an Early Voting LocationExternal Link
• You can also register to vote during Early Voting with two forms of valid IDExternal Link

In-Person Voting:

Polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., unless otherwise specified.

• Find My Polling PlaceExternal Link
• See all Polling PlacesExternal Link

Learn About Candidates

Find unbiased information about candidates and issues on the ballot to make educated voting choices. Some information may not be available until closer to an election date.

Voting Assistance & Helpful Links

In the Collection

To browse books on voting issues and the history of voting in the library, ask for help at the Adult Reference Desk.

Online Resources

You will need your Rolling Meadows Library card to access many of our online resources if you are not using them in the Library. Need help? Stop by or call the Reference Desk at 847-259-6050 x130.

See every online resource the Library has to offer on the A–Z Online Resources page.