League of Women Voters^® of Illinois

Absentee Voting

Registered voters expecting to be absent from their county of residence on election day can apply for an application to vote by absentee ballot if they meet any of the following criteria:

• Registered voters expecting to be absent from their county of residence on election day.
• Registered voters appointed to be judges of election outside their home precinct.
• Registered voters unable to be present at the polls because of a physical incapacity.
• Registered voters observing a religious holiday on Election Day.
• Registered voters working for the state's attorney, county clerk or board of elections.
• Registered voters serving as a sequestered juror on a State or Federal jury.
• Registered or non-registered members of the United States armed forces on active duty.
• Spouses and dependents of armed forces members who expect to be outside their county of residence.
• State and Federal employees assigned outside of their home precinct.
• Registered citizen temporarily residing overseas.
• Any citizen residing outside of the country, not registered to vote but qualified to vote at a federal election, may vote by absentee ballot for federal offices.

Some voters, primarily those who are temporarily out of the country, may make application for an absentee ballot not less than 10 days prior to the election.  Members of the armed forces while on active duty may apply for an absentee ballot by fax machine.

The following steps must be completed to receive an absentee ballot:

1. Obtain the proper application for an absentee ballot from your election authority (county clerk or board of election commissioners).
2. Upon receipt, complete the application.  Make certain to include your name, home address, and the address where you want the ballot mailed, and be sure to sign the application.
3. Mail or deliver in person the application to your election authority.  If returning it in person, you may immediately vote your absentee ballot.  If you return it by mail, you will receive your absentee ballot by mail.
4. After receiving your ballot, vote the ballot in secret.  Insert the ballot in the envelope provided, seal and complete the certification on the back and mail your ballot or return it in person.

Absentee voters are encouraged to contact their election authority early for specific details if they plan to be out of the country.

Early Voting

Unlike absentee voting, an early voter is not required to state a reason for voting early. The first day to early vote is the 22nd day prior to an election. The last day to early vote is th 5th day prior to an election.