East Central Reporter

Today marks Election Day in Illinois, with residents heading to the polls to cast their votes. Polling stations will operate from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., although courts may extend these hours if issues arise. Voters must be in line before closing time to ensure they can vote.

Voters unsure of their polling location can find this information on the State Board of Elections website. Identification requirements vary; registered voters typically need only a signature, but those registering by mail for the first time must provide two forms of ID if they did not include identification with their registration.

Illinois allows voter registration on Election Day at polling places, provided individuals meet certain criteria: being a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old for the Consolidated General Election, and residing in the precinct for at least 30 days prior. Two forms of ID are required for same-day registration.

Sample ballots and candidate information are available on county election authority websites or through the Illinois Voters Guide. Voters may bring written materials into voting booths and receive instructions on using voting machines from poll workers.

Assistance is available for voters with vision impairments or other disabilities, either from election judges or a person of choice who is not an employer, union official, or candidate. If no assistant is specified, two election judges—one from each political party—can assist.

Those who received mail-in ballots but did not submit them can still vote in person by bringing their mailed ballot to the polling site. Without it, they will vote provisionally.

If a voter's name does not appear on the list despite being registered, they can use a provisional ballot pending confirmation of eligibility by election officials. The status of provisional ballots can be checked online via the State Board of Elections Provisional Ballot Search webpage.