All the ways you can register to vote for the 2024 Illinois primary election

Hope Gadson, Springfield State Journal- Register
·2 min read

We're just over two weeks until the Illinois primary election, but there's still time for you to register to vote.

In Illinois, there are a few ways that people can register including online and in person. You can also register to vote via mail, however that deadline has already passed.

Here's everything you need to know.

When is the primary election in Illinois?

March 19.

What are the qualifications to become a registered voter in Illinois?

  • Must be a U.S. citizen

  • Must be 18 years of age

  • Must live in the precinct at least 30 days prior to an election

  • Can not be serving a jail sentence due to a conviction

  • Can not claim the right to vote anywhere else

In person registration

In person registration is available at the Sangamon County Clerk Election Office. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. When registering in person one must show two forms of identification that show your name and address.

Valid forms include:

  • Driver's license

  • Social security card

  • Birth certificate

  • Utility bill

  • Checkbook

  • Bank statement

  • State ID card

  • Student ID card

  • Credit card

Online Registration

Another method of registration is online through the Illinois State Board of Elections website. This is also where residents can check to see if they are a registered voter, they can also update their existing registration through the website.

Online registration must be done 16 days prior to the election date, meaning March 3 is the deadline for the upcoming election.

Grace Period Registration

Grace period registration allows people to cast a ballot even after missing the registration period. It also allows residents to vote while they update their voter registration information. This can be done in person at the Sangamon County Election Office or on Election Day at your local polling place.

Grace period registration and voting begins Feb. 21 and ends on March 19.

Automatic Voter Registration

Automatic voter registration was signed into law August of 2017, it establishes electronic voter registration at state agencies including:

  • Secretary of State’s Office

  • Department of Natural Resources

  • Department of Employment Security

  • Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

  • Department of Human Services (Rehabilitation Services)

  • Department of Human Services (Family and Community Services)

When residents interact with these agencies, registration information can be carried over for voter registration applications through a dual-purpose application. When trying to complete a dual-purpose application a resident will be informed if they are already registered. They will be granted the opportunity to either register as a new Illinois voter or update any voter registration information.

Contact Hope Gadson: hgadson@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: How to register to vote for the 2024 Illinois primary election