New Illinois law allows residents to register to vote by mail permanently: Here's how to do it

Illinois voters get to skip the voting lines forever if they sign up to vote by mail permanently.

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(CHICAGO) Tuesday, September 20th, was National Register to Vote Day, making now a perfect time to consider if you want to be able to vote from home for every election.

You may have already received the application from election officials to vote by mail. Officials are sending applications to all of the 8 million voters in Illinois.

"With attacks on voting rights on the rise in states across the nation, Illinois is proud to stand up for a strong, secure, and accessible democracy," said Governor JB Pritzker in a press release.

“The availability of a permanent vote-by-mail list should make this method of voting more convenient for voters,” said Matt Dietrich, Illinois State Board of Elections spokesman.

Illinois has been voting by mail since 2010

Illinois voters have been able to vote by mail since 2010. That year, it replaced the former absentee ballot and meant voters no longer needed a reason to vote by mail. Anyone could elect to get a paper ballot sent to their home.

You won't get a ballot by mail unless you fill out an application

There has been misinformation spreading on social media that every voter will receive a paper ballot in the mail. However, voters will need to fill out applications and elect to receive ballots by mail.

The signup process is optional, but if you register, from now on, as long as you live at your current address, you will receive paper ballots in the mail for future elections.

How to apply to vote by mail in Illinois

First, you can look for the application voting officials are sending out and follow the instructions.

You can also register online at the Illinois State Board of Elections where you will need to choose the county you live in and follow the steps from there to get the application submitted to your county.

Chicago residents can go to Chicago's Board of Elections to apply to vote by mail.

Important dates

November 8, 2022: Election Day.

November 3, 2022: Deadline to request your mail-in ballot.

What if I change my mind?

If you've requested and received a paper ballot, but decide you want to vote in person, take your paper ballot to your polling booth on Election Day, give them your ballot, and they will allow you to vote on a new ballot.

If you've lost or forgotten your paper ballot, you can still vote. Go to your polling place and you will be given a provisional ballot.

What other changes were made to voting laws?

Election Day in November is now a state holiday. And along with allowing permanent voting by mail, SB 825 increased access for curbside voting and strengthened cybersecurity standards.

Also, in Cook County, people in jail awaiting trial but not convicted will be given a chance to vote.

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