Election Day for the 2022 Illinois Primary is officially here -- and polls open at 6 a.m.
Though thousands in the state have already cast their ballots through early voting and mail, thousands more are expected to take part in the tradition of voting in-person on Election Day.
If that's the case for you, make sure you know where your designated polling place is, as early voting sites are often not the same sites where Election Day voting takes place.
Here's how to find your Chicago-area Election Day polling place, what you need to bring with you in order to vote, and more.
How to Find Your Election Day Polling Place
The Illinois State Board of Elections operates a "Find Your Polling Place" feature on its website. However, as of late Tuesday morning, the tool was down. Officials say they are working on a fix, and this link can be used to find your polling place as well.
You can also visit your county clerk's website for more information. Many of the clerk websites provide your nearest polling place after you've entered your home address:
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If you are a resident of Chicago, suburban Cook County or DuPage County, you have a few more options on Election Day.
In Chicago, all early voting sites will remain open on Election Day for all voters in the city, as will two locations that are open to suburban Cook County residents: 69 W. Washington St. and the Union Station Founders Room at 225 S. Canal St.
And new this year, DuPage County has announced that it is the first county in Illinois to allow voters to cast a ballot at any of its 263 polling places on Election Day.
What If I'm not Registered to Vote?
In Illinois, you can register to vote and vote up until, and on, Election Day.
There are three criteria that would-be voters need to fulfill in order to be eligible to register on Election Day.
- The voter must be a United States citizen
- The voter must be 18 years of age or older on Election Day
- The voter must have lived in their precinct for at least 30 days prior to Election Day
Voters have two options if they want to register on Election Day. The first is to go to their county clerk’s office, where they can register and cast a ballot in the election.
The other option is for the voter to go to their respective polling place.
What Do Voters Need to Bring?
If you're registering to vote, you must bring at least two forms of identification, one of which must include the voter’s current address.
Those types of ID include:
- Illinois Driver’s License/ID Card
- Social Security Card
- Valid US Passport
- Employee or Student ID
- Birth Certificate
- Public Aid ID Card
- Credit Card
- Utility Bill in Applicant’s Name
- Lease or Rental Contract
Finally, voters must cast their ballots after they successfully register at either their polling place or their county clerk’s office.
How to Get Live Coverage of the Illinois Primary Election Tuesday
I'm Already Registered to Vote. Do I Need to Bring Anything?
You're not required to bring a government-issued photo ID to vote under Illinois law, but it can be helpful to bring one should any questions about registration, address or anything else arise during the voting process.
What Time Do Polls Open on Election Day?
Polls open at 6 a.m. statewide, and will stay open through 7 p.m.
But remember - if you are IN LINE when polls close, you can still vote! So if you're rushing to your polling place at the last minute, don't worry if you see a line -- and don't let anyone try to dissuade you from casting your ballot.
What if I Make a Mistake on my Ballot?
According to the Chicago Attorney General, if a voter makes a mistake or “spoils” a paper ballot and the voter has not cast the ballot, the voter has the right to receive a replacement ballot.
