When do polls open and close on Election Day in Illinois? – NBCChicago

The 2024 election is just over two weeks away, and early voting is underway across Illinois as voters cast their ballots for various races, from the President of the United States to state representatives to members of the Chicago School Board.

While absentee and early voting offer more flexibility and convenience than ever when it comes to voting options, many prefer to cast their vote on Election Day itself, which this year falls on Tuesday, November 5th.

For those planning to cast their vote on Election Day, here is information about the voting process in Illinois:

When is election day?

Election Day in the United States is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, which falls on November 5th this year.

Of course, voters can cast their ballots that day, but in Illinois, early voting has now begun in most parts of the state.

How to vote on Election Day

Of course, voters may cast their ballots at their respective polling stations on Election Day, but there are certain circumstances in which identification may be required.

No ID is required if a voter is registered at their current address and voting in the correct precinct. However, an ID can clarify any questions that arise when casting your vote.

A voter needs an ID if election judges have reason to challenge their right to vote at a polling place or if their voter registration form did not include a driver’s license, state ID number or Social Security number, the election board said.

Anyone who wants to register to vote on Election Day and submit a ballot must also bring two forms of identification. A complete list of permitted forms of identification can be found here.

When are the polling stations open on election day?

In Illinois, polls must open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. However, voters who are in line when polls close are still legally entitled to cast their ballots.

Certain circumstances may cause polling stations to remain open for extended periods of time. However, in these circumstances, the information will be shared with voters.

Can you register to vote on Election Day?

Same-day voter registration is actually possible in Illinois, as is the ability to legally change addresses on a voter registration form or update a person’s name on voter rolls.

It is important to note that not all polling stations offer same-day registration as election judges require appropriate training. However, voters can find information on the Board of Elections website.

District offices can also register voters on election day.

Voters who wish to do so must bring two forms of identification and their vote will be provisionally counted until their right to register at the address they provided is verified.

For more information about the types of identification required for same-day voter registration, click here.

What should I bring with me to vote in person?

If a voter is already registered at their current home address, they do not need to bring identification. However, if you have any questions, a photo ID can be helpful.

Voters who need to register or make changes to their voter registration on election day can do so at select polling stations, but must bring two pieces of identification.

Voters can also bring slips of paper to the voting booth to help them fill out their ballots, state officials said.

Can I take a ballot selfie?

Taking photos with According to experts, voting is prohibited by state law. This ban stems from a law that prohibits marking ballots so that another person can see how a voter voted.

However, state officials have told NBC Chicago in the past that it is “unlikely” anyone will be prosecuted, but still recommend taking photos of an “I Voted” sticker instead of the ballot itself.

What should I do if I have problems voting?

Voters whose eligibility to vote is questioned, experience voter intimidation, or have problems at their polling place are encouraged to report such incidents.

If you encounter any of the above issues or have questions about the voting process, more than 100 organizations in the U.S. operate an election protection hotline, which you can reach at:

1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683): ​​English

1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (1-888-839-8682): Spanish/English

1-888-API-VOTE (1-888-274-8683): ​​Asian Languages/English

1-844-YALLA-US (1-844-925-5287): Arabic/English

Illinois residents can also text MYVOTE to 866-687-8683 if they have concerns. which are looked after by trained volunteers.