Our VOTES Matter
Every election is unique, and there is increased confusion over the election process. That is why we have established a central point for disabled and senior voters of Illinois, which is needed now more than ever.
Upcoming Elections
Whose On the Ballot? Officers Nominated At the Primary and Elected at the General Election
Full List of Candidates For the Ballot (PDF)
Tuesday, November 5, 2024: Upcoming Presidential General Election
Disability Vote IL
Welcome to www.disabilityvoteil.org! We are weeks away from the next election, and we are getting ready to cast our votes. As people with disabilities and senior citizens, we have always had difficulties with accessible voting.
We trust that this guide will help you vote more easily.
Are you #VoteReady?
You only need to meet a few simple requirements to be eligible to vote in the State of Illinois. Find out if you are #VoteReady!
Register to Vote
There are many ways to register to vote—choose what works for you! Follow our guide and get registered today!
Vote by Mail
Vote by Mail and ACCESSIBLE Voting by Mail is easy and you can request a vote by mail ballot through email, mail, or in person.
Disability Vote Illinois’ Mission
We all deserve to have our unique perspectives heard
and we want to make sure that disabled voices are not silenced.
Our Votes Matter!!
We are a nonpartisan campaign effort to:
- Educate the disability and senior community about voting rights and access issues.
- Eliminate barriers to voting.
- Promote accessibility of voting technology and polling places.
- Increase voter turnout among people with disabilities and their allies.
- Let elected officials know that people with disabilities and seniors are engaged, voters.
- Encourage organizations to conduct local get-out-the-vote drives and outreach.
Are you #VoteReady???
You Can Vote if you are:
- Registered to vote
- A US Citizen
- 18 years or older by the Election Day
- A resident in your election precinct at least 30 days before Election Day.
(According to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless [link], Illinois residents who are homeless have the right to vote.) - Not currently serving a sentence in any penal institution as a result of a conviction
(ex-convicts who have completed their sentences and who meet all other requirements listed above are eligible to register and vote in Illinois) - You may not claim the right to vote anywhere else.
Register to Vote!
Click here to register to vote today!
Registration Status
Be patient. Everybody wants to make sure they are registered.
PLANNING TO REGISTER
WHAT DO I NEED TO REGISTER?
Two forms of identification are required, one of which must list your current address.
The following are acceptable forms of ID:
- Passport or Military ID
- Driver’s License or State ID card
- College/University/School/Work ID
- Vehicle registration card
- Lease, mortgage, or deed to the home
- Credit or debit card
- Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid card
- Insurance card
- Civic, union, or professional membership card
- LINK/Public Aid/Department of Human Services card
- Illinois FOID card
Mail of the following types addressed to you:
- Bill, transcript, or school report card
- Bank statement, pay stub, or pension statement
- Utility, medical, or insurance bill
- Official mail from any government agency
Register to Vote!
Click here to register to vote today!
Registration Status
Be patient. Everybody wants to make sure they are registered.
FIVE WAYS TO REGISTER
HOW CAN I REGISTER?
Online Registration
You can register to vote (or change your address) online. Online voter registration closes 16 days before the election.
The Illinois State Board of Elections’ online voter registration system allows any new registrant to apply for a vote by mail ballot when completing online voter registration. An additional application for a vote by mail ballot will not be required if this is completed.
Print the following form and mail it to your local election authority.
https://elections.il.gov/electionoperations/votingregistrationforms.aspx
In-Person Registration
You can register to vote in person at your early voting site or election day polling place (Bring 2 forms of ID, one with home address).
Automatic Voter Registration
When you visit a Secretary of State Drivers Services facility, you will be asked if you want to register to vote or update your registration. If you say yes, you have “opted-in” to Automatic Voter Registration.
Your completed voter registration application is transmitted from Drivers Services to the Illinois State Board of Elections. You will be provided a receipt of the voter registration application. Keep the receipt until you receive your voter registration card from your local election authority.
Early Registration
Illinois offers voter registration at all early voting locations in the lead-up to an election. Find early voting locations near you.
Same-Day Registration
In Illinois, you can register on Election Day at your polling place. Find your Election Day polling place.
Make Sure You Register Early!
Register to Vote!
Click here to register to vote today!
Registration Status
Be patient. Everybody wants to make sure they are registered.
VOTE BY MAIL
Voting by Mail starts…
Military and overseas: 45 days prior to the election
Everyone else: 40 days prior to each election
If the voter receives assistance in voting their ballot, the name and address of the person who helped must be placed on the ballot certification envelope. Remember that a candidate is NOT allowed to assist a voter unless the candidate is a spouse, parent, child, or sibling of that voter.
Voters can request a vote by mail ballot online, through the mail, or in person. Application only applies for the next election, but some counties allow you to apply for permanent vote by mail status.
Do you need your Ballot in another Language?
In Cook County, you can get a Vote by Mail Application in the following languages:
- Spanish
- Hindi
- Chinese
- Korean
- Tagalog
- Urdu
- Polish
- Russian
- Ukrainian
- Arabic
- Gujarati
All requests by mail must be received by the Election Authority by 2/8/2024.
All in-person early voting requests must be made by 3/18/2024.
Ballot Return Envelopes-Where Should I Send It?
- Drop it off with local election officials
- Mail it back
- Drop boxes: Locations of drop boxes and hours of operation are subject to change, so check with your local election authority
ACCESSIBLE VOTE BY MAIL
Accessible vote by mail for the blind and low vision votes is now available in Illinois.
For print disabled voters with impairments such as blindness, low vision, physical dexterity limitations, or learning or cognitive disabilities.
Last election cycle, Accessible Vote by Mail launched, using a remote vote by mail system. Voters with print disabilities can electronically receive, mark and verify their ballots using assistive technology.
Any voters interested in voting by mail using the new State Board of Elections system should contact their local county clerk or other election authority. MUST complete an Accessible Vote by Mail application.
The applications are available below and should be printed and sent to the election authority of your jurisdiction.
Chicago Residents: Application for a Vote by Mail Ballot
Be My Eyes Provides an APP for the Vision Impaired to Help with Voting
If you are blind or visually impaired and looking for help with the process of voting, look no further than the popular app, Be My Eyes. The free service that matches blind people needing assistance with volunteers who can help them navigate the visual world through a video call is partnering with Vote.org to bring you assistance with the process of voting. From registering to vote, to acquiring a mail-in ballot, to checking your registration status, to much more, this service provides help for the blind voter with just a few quick taps!
Download the free service now to get started.
https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id905177575?pt=15492800&ct=BeMyEyesWebsite&mt=8
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bemyeyes.bemyeyes
Register to Vote!
Click here to register to vote today!
Registration Status
Be patient. Everybody wants to make sure they are registered.
VOTE TRACKING
Several Election authorities have vote tracking available online.
You can find out:
- What is on my upcoming ballot
- Where is my Polling Place
- Where is My Early Voting site
- Who are My elected Officials
- What is My MAIL BALLOT STATUS
Vote Tracking Links for:
Cook County, IL — https://bit.ly/CookIL_VoteTrack
Chicago, IL — https://bit.ly/ChgoIL_VoteTrack
Will County, IL — https://www.willcountyclerk.gov/elections/voter-services/vote-by-mail-lookup/
Kane (ballot tracking) — https://votekane.ballottrax.net/voter/
Kane also lists the ballot drop-off locations on their website
Peoria (ballot tracking) — https://peoriacountyvotes.ballottrax.net/voter/
For other Election districts, Contact your election authority.
Here is a list of their contact information:
LOCAL ELECTION AUTHORITIES FOR ILLINOIS
Be Careful with Your Vote By Mail Ballot
The panel of elections may reject a Vote By Mail Ballot for the following reasons:
- The Ballot was delivered opened
- The certification envelope contains no signature
- The voter has already cast a Ballot
- The person voted in person on Election Day, or
- The person is not duly registered in the precinct.
If you register online to Vote By Mail, you will receive email notifications when:
- Your application is accepted
- Your ballot is mailed to you
- The Election Board receives your Ballot Return Envelope
- Your ballot has been processed and counted.
If you could not apply on time, did not receive your ballot, lose your ballot or Ballot Return Envelope, or cannot get your Ballot Return Envelope in the mail by Election Day, call 312-269-7967 on or before five days before Election Day to alert the Election Board that you have not received your ballot (Chicago). Or, you may use Early Voting, or cancel your mail ballot and instead receive and cast an Election Day ballot in person on Election Day at your designated polling place. If you have received a mail ballot but opt to vote in person, you must surrender your Vote By Mail ballot at the election site.
Register to Vote!
Click here to register to vote today!
Registration Status
Be patient. Everybody wants to make sure they are registered.
EARLY VOTING
Those who wish to vote in person can avoid crowds by using early voting sites, which will be open earlier than usual this year.
Registered voters may cast an early ballot without having to provide a reason for wanting to vote early.
Early In-Person Voting: Contact your local election authority to determine when and where you can vote early.
Curbside Voting:
- You must request curbside voting at least one day before you plan to vote. Contact your election authority to let them know.
- Pollwatchers are permitted to accompany the judges and may observe the above procedure.
Early Voting in all 50 Wards of Chicago begins Monday, October 21 at 9:00am.
The votes cast during the early voting period won’t be counted until after the polls close on Election Day.
DO YOU HAVE SOMEONE TO HELP YOU VOTE?
Choose a family member, a friend, or someone you trust to support you to answer questions about registration and voting. After all, WE ALL NEED SUPPORT!!!
Make sure you SIGN your ballot envelope!
Register to Vote!
Click here to register to vote today!
Registration Status
Be patient. Everybody wants to make sure they are registered.
Election Day Voting
ELECTION DAY IS NOVEMBER 5, 2024!
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. You’ll need two forms of ID if you register to vote and cast a ballot on Election Day.
Curbside Voting
- You must request curbside voting at least one day before you plan to vote. Contact your election authority to let them know.
- Pollwatchers are permitted to accompany the judges and may observe the above procedure.
In-Person Voting on Election Day
Your polling location is determined by your permanent address. You can find the location of your in-person polling place by clicking here: Click for Election Day Voting Locations:
Click for Election Day Voting Locations
Register to Vote!
Click here to register to vote today!
Registration Status
Be patient. Everybody wants to make sure they are registered.
VOTING RESOURCES & GUIDES
Illinois General Election 2024:
Accessible Voting Guide
This guide helps people with disabilities navigate the voting process for the Illinois General Election on November 5, 2024. It covers how to register, find your polling place, vote in person or by mail, and use accessible voting options. It also addresses voter rights and includes helpful resources and contacts for support.
Click to Download the guide to prepare for Election Day!
Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting
This guide is designed to help people with disabilities understand and participate in the U.S. voting process. It covers registering, researching candidates, and choosing the best voting method for your needs, such as in-person, early, or absentee voting. The guide also explains the different types of elections and includes strategies to overcome barriers like voter suppression. With clear explanations and helpful resources, it ensures everyone can confidently exercise their right to vote.
Click to Download the guide to get prepared and make your vote count!
ANSWERS FOR VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES
DISABILITY VOTER GUIDE: https://bit.ly/Arc_DisabilityVoterGuide_Eng
GUIA PARA VOTANTES CON DISCAPACIDADES: https://bit.ly/Arc_DisabilityVoterGuide_Spanish
What you Need to Know by the AARP: https://bit.ly/AARP_IL20
CHICAGO VOTER RIGHTS HOTLINE: (312) 269-7967
CHICAGO PHONE # for questions about accessibility: (312) 269-7976
CHICAGO EMAIL: ADAaccess@chicagoelections.gov
COOK COUNTY VOTER RIGHTS HOTLINE — (312) 263-0575
Lake — https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4086/Special-Voter-Circumstances
Kane (disability info) — https://www.kanecountyclerk.org/Elections/Pages/Voter-Assistance.aspx
Peoria (disability info) — https://www.peoriaelections.org/184/Voting-Assistance
DuPage — https://www.dupagecounty.gov/elections/accessibility_devices_and_features_in_polling_places.php
Vermilion — https://www.vercounty.org/election-commission/voter-information/
DeKalb — http://dekalb.il.clerkserve.com/?cat=44
Stephenson — http://www.co.stephenson.il.us/clerk/Elections/2020/assistdisabled.pdf
Montgomery — https://montgomerycountyil.gov/county-clerk-recorder/elections-voting/#1689204330552-dff12ceb-e0cf
Cook County, IL Disabled Voter Program
If you are permanently physically incapacitated and unable to make it your polling place, you qualify to automatically receive an application for a mail ballot before every election for the next five years. For more information, click here: https://bit.ly/CookDisabledVtr-Applcn
Nursing Home and Hospital Voting
The County Clerk’s office conducts voting at suburban Cook County nursing homes before every election. If you are admitted to a hospital, nursing home, or rehabilitation center fourteen days or fewer before an election, you may arrange to have a ballot delivered to you at the hospital. For more information, click here: https://bit.ly/CookNursingHosp-Vtg2020
Register to Vote!
Click here to register to vote today!
Registration Status
Be patient. Everybody wants to make sure they are registered.
Transportation to the Polls for People with Disabilities
Pace’s fixed route bus and van fleets are all accessible to people with disabilities or health conditions, and the ADA Paratransit system and various local Dial-a-Ride programs offer service that is exclusively dedicated to the five county community which includes the Chicago metropolitan area.
In addition, all fixed route buses are accessible and route information is available the Pace website: www.Pacebus.com.
Some people with disabilities qualify for free fares on Pace, CTA and Metra.
Here’s the Link for Contact Phone numbers for paratransit in Chicago and the surrounding five county area: https://bit.ly/Pacebooking
Please be aware that Pace has reduced the $3 City of Chicago Taxi Access Program (TAP) fare to $2, effective January 1, 2023. Riders will still be responsible for any taxi fare amount over $30 and City of Chicago fees.
TAP is only available in the City of Chicago.
TAP User Guide (PDF)
For more info click here: https://bit.ly/PaceTAP
TAP rides cost $2.00, less expensive than the $3.25 ADA Paratransit rides.
This policy is in place indefinitely. If you aren’t yet enrolled in TAP, call 1-833-PACE-TAP (833-722-3827) to order a card.
Register to Vote!
Click here to register to vote today!
Registration Status
Be patient. Everybody wants to make sure they are registered.
IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS
Check our calendar regularly for new announcements and activities
Tuesday
Oct 8th, 2024
For Nov 5 General Election
Registration by Mail Deadline
Sunday
Oct 20th, 2024
For Nov 5 General Election
Online voter registration closes
Monday
Oct 21st, 2024
For Nov 5 General Election
Early Voting begins at permanent polling sites (other than office of the election authority)
Thursday
Oct 31st, 2024
For Nov 5 General Election
Online Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
Tuesday
Nov 4th, 2024
For Nov 5 General Election
In Person Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
Tuesday
Nov 4th, 2024
For Nov 5 General Election
Early Voting Ends
Nov 1st, 2024-
Nov 4th, 2024
For Nov 5 General Election
Nursing home and long-term care voting
Tuesday
Nov 5th, 2024
Election Day!
Presidential General Election
Tuesday
Nov 19th, 2024
For Nov 5 General Election
Absentee Ballot Return Deadline
Register to Vote!
Click here to register to vote today!
Registration Status
Be patient. Everybody wants to make sure they are registered.
GET INVOLVED!
Sign up to get updates on important information, dates, and activities for Illinois' disability voting community!
Download our templates to share why voting matters to you using #DisabilityVoteIL
Our Votes Matter!
Strategy for Access Foundation NFP is a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in disability issues. We offer the disabilityvoteil.org website as a community resource for all within the community. If you would like to support the continuation of this work please consider making a donation.