Chicago voting booths are pictured in a file photo. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)
More than 450,000 early vote and vote by mail ballots have been cast as of Sunday night, according to the Chicago Board of Elections.
Of the total 454,321 ballots received as of Sunday night, 294,716 are early vote ballots and 159,605 are vote-by-mail ballots, according to the Board.
If you plan on voting on Election Day on Tuesday, here’s what you need to know.
When are polls open?
All polling places are open on Election Day from 6 a.m to 7 p.m.
If you are in line by 7 p.m., you can still vote even after the polls close.
Where can I vote?
On Election Day, city residents can vote in any of the one of 51 voting locations — the 50 ward sites and the supersite — or their assigned precinct polling place.
If you try to vote at another precinct polling place, you will be asked to vote a provisional ballot, according to the Chicago Board of Elections website. You can find your assigned precinct polling place by looking up your voter information on the Board website.
What races will be on the ballot?
Races on this year’s ballot include U.S. president, U.S. representatives, state legislators, the Cook County state’s attorney, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioners, various judicial races and judges for retention.
For the first time, voters in Chicago will also be voting on elected school board members.
You can find a sample ballot by looking up your voter information on the Chicago Board of Elections website.
More: WTTW News 2024 General Election Voter Guide
Can I still register to vote?
Same-day voter registration is available at your precinct polling place and at the 51 sites open as vote centers on Election Day, including those updating their registration due to an address or name change.
Residents registering or updating their registration will need two forms of ID, one with your current address. Unsure about whether you’re registered? Look up your voter information on the Chicago Board of Elections website.
How can I submit my vote by mail ballot?
Voters looking to submit their vote by mail ballot return envelope have three options:
- Through the U.S. Postal Service or a licensed courier
- In a secured drop box at any of the 51 sites open as vote centers on Election Day
- By personal delivery to the Election Board at 69 W. Washington, Sixth Floor
A vote by mail voter can walk up to the secure drop box at a vote center to return their ballot without needing to wait in line. Note: Precinct polling places do not have drop boxes.
Any vote by mail ballot that is mailed and postmarked on or before Election Day can be counted if it arrives within 14 days of Election Day.
What if I change my mind about voting by mail and want to vote in person instead?
Voters may take the vote by mail ballot to their precinct polling place or nearest vote center on Election Day, surrender the ballot and then vote on a new ballot.
If you have not yet received your ballot in the mail, you will be asked to sign an affidavit form and then you will be allowed to vote.
What are my rights as a voter?
According to the Chicago Board of Elections, you have the right as a voter to:
- Cast your ballot without interference.
- Vote if you are in line by 7 p.m.
- Go to your home precinct and present IDs on Election Day to register to vote or update your registration, and then cast a ballot if you have not voted already at this election.
- Vote at your old polling place if you moved less than 31 days before the election.
- Get help voting from the election judges or from an eligible relative or friend.
- Use endorsements, sample ballots, or notes while voting.
- Protect the secrecy of your ballot.
- Check your ballot choices and correct any mistakes.
- Have your ballot counted fairly and impartially.
- Have your young child with you in the voting booth.
What if I have a complaint about the voting process?
If you think your rights have been violated or want to report issues, call the Chicago Board of Elections’ Election Central on Election Day at 312-269-7870.
