VOTING IN CHICAGO

1. REGISTER

Are you registered to vote?

• Not sure? Check your status with Chicago's Voter Information Lookup Tool (which also shows closest polling locations & other info). 

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• Not registered? Register online here through Oct. 18 or in person at a polling place through Election Day. (To register, you’ll need two forms of ID, including one that shows your current address.)​​​​​​​​​​​​​

4. BE INFORMED

Find out who's on your ballot using BallotReady or get a sample ballot through the Voter Info Lookup Tool.

Then research candidates you want to know more about. Useful sources:

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• For all candidates:

  • BallotReady provides general nonpartisan info on candidates.

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• For judges: 

  • Chicago Bar Association’s Judicial Voter’s Guide notes which candidates are qualified and which are not recommended. 

  • Injustice Watch offers detailed info for every judge seeking retention.

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• For Chicago School Board President: 

  • WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times and Chalkbeat Chicago both have detailed guides on the candidates. 

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Don’t be intimidated by the number of people on the ballot! While it's great to cast an informed vote for every office, your ballot will still be counted even if you leave options blank.

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(But also! We know Chicago moms care a lot about Chicago schools! So don't forget to vote for School Board candidates, who are farther down the ballot!)

2. MAKE A PLAN

How, when, and where will you vote?

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• How? Decide on in person or mail-in

• When? Pick a date! 

• Where? Choose a polling place (or mail)​​​​​​

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​​Write out your plan.

Mark your calendar.

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When does voting happen in Chicago? 

• Early voting starts downtown Oct. 1, and in all 50 wards on Oct. 19.

• Election Day is November 3!

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​Where does voting happen in Chicago?

• You can vote early at any early voting site in the city! Find locations and hours here.

• Or vote on Election Day (Nov. 3, 6am-7pm) at your assigned precinct polling place (find here) OR at one of the 51 Vote Centers.

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If able, everyone is encouraged to vote early and in person this year. ​​​​​​​

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Reminder: if you have a mail-in ballot, you can complete it at home and then drop it off at a polling site dropbox.​​

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5. HELP FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Friend-to-friend organizing is SUPER important!

Share this info with people you know.

Encourage your friends and family to make a voting plan.​

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3. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

​Know your voting rights in Chicago.

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• No Photo ID required to vote. (Exceptions: you registered to vote by mail and didn’t provide ID; you’re registering to vote or changing your voting address on the day that you vote; an Election Judge challenges your right to vote.)

• Cheat sheets allowed. You can bring written or digital materials into the booth with you to help guide you.

• Stay in line on Election Day! As long as you’re in line when the polls close at 7pm, you can still vote. ​

• Children allowed! You can bring your young child into the voting booth with you.

• If you're denied the right to vote, ask for a provisional ballot. Then get instructions from a poll worker on what you need to do so that it’s counted. 

Need real-time help?

Call or text 866-OUR-VOTE for a nonpartisan election protection hotline.

6. VOTE

Cast your ballot!​

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You did it! Democracy is a team sport, and we are our democracy. Way to go!