Voter Registration

 In order to exercise your right to vote, you must be registered. Here's what you need to know to register in Chicago.

Am I eligible to vote? 

• You must be a US Citizen

• You must be at least 18 years of age by Election Day (17-year-olds are eligible to register for and vote in a Primary Election if they will be 18 by the General Election)

• You must live in your precinct at least 30 days before the election

• You must not claim the right to vote elsewhere

• You must not be in prison or jail serving time for a conviction (Ex-convicts who have completed their sentences and who meet all other requirements listed above are eligible to register and vote in Illinois)

16- and 17-year-olds are eligible to pre-register to vote in Illinois! You must have an Illinois state I.D. or driver's license to pre-register, and must register online or at the DMV (no paper registration is available). The pre-registration will go into effect automatically when you reach voting age.

Looking to update your signature on your voter registration? Use this form.

How can I register?

There are many ways to register to vote—choose what works for you! You can register to vote any time prior to or on Election Day.

Automatic Voter Registration

When you visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility, you will be asked if you want to register to vote or update your registration. If you say yes, you have ‘opted-in’ to Automatic Voter Registration. 

Online Registration

You can register to vote (or update your registration info) online. Online voter registration closes 15 days before an election and reopens two days after the election. Check out our tips for registering online.

Mail-In Registration

You may register to vote by printing and mailing in this application. Applications should be postmarked no later than 28 days before the next election. Check out our tips for registering by mail.

Early Registration

Chicago offers voter registration at all early voting locations in the lead-up to an election. Find early voting locations near you.

​Same-Day Registration

In Chicago, you can register on Election Day at your polling place or any early voting Site. Find your Election Day polling place. If you wait until Election Day to register to vote, be sure to bring the required ID with you.

What ID do I need to register?

Two forms of identification are required to register, one of which must list your current address. The following are acceptable forms of ID:

• Passport or Military ID

• Driver's License or State ID card

• College, University, School, or Work ID

• Vehicle registration card

• Lease, mortgage or deed to home

• Credit or debit card

• Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid card

• Insurance card

• Civic, union or professional membership card

• LINK, Public Aid, or Department of Human Services card

• Illinois FOID card

• Mail of the following types addressed to you

  • Bill, transcript or report card from school

  • Bank statement, pay stub or pension statement

  • Utility, medical or insurance Bill

  • Official mail from any government agency

No ID is required to vote in your home precinct on Election Day unless you are voting for the first time and have registered by mail without verification.