Voting by mail is also called absentee voting. Absentee voting is a way for people to vote early through the mail. Illinois law allows a voter registered in Illinois to request and vote with an absentee ballot. The voter does not have to give a reason for their inability to vote on Election Day.  

Sometimes, a voter that is not registered in the state may be permitted to vote absentee while overseas or out of their precinct. Examples of these situations include:

• Active duty military and their families;
• Federal employees; and
• Those living outside of the U.S. 

How do I get a mail ballot?

You may apply for a mail ballot either by mail or in person. You must get an application from your election authority.

• If applying by mail, you have anywhere from 40 to 5 days before the election to apply for an absentee ballot. The first day to file for the upcoming General Election is May 8, 2020. All requests by mail must be received by October 29, 2020.
• If applying in person, you have anywhere from 40 days to 1 day before the election to apply for an absentee ballot. All in-person early voting requests must be made by November 2, 2020.

Some voters, particularly those who are temporarily out of the country, must apply for a mail ballot no less than 10 days before the election. If you plan to be out of the country on Election Day, you should contact your election authority early to get details about how to obtain a mail ballot.

You may apply for permanent vote by mail status. All voters will be notified not more than 90 days, but no less than 45 days from the election of the option to permanently vote by mail. The notification will also provide the application for permanent status. This status will remain until the voter requests its removal.

How do I vote with a mail ballot?

If you are applying for a mail ballot in person, you may immediately use your ballot to vote at the election authority's office.

If you mailed the application, the election authority will mail a ballot to you. To vote by mail, follow these steps:

• Fill out the ballot,
• Insert the ballot in the envelope provided,
• Sign the back of the certification,
• Seal the envelope, and
• Mail it as instructed.

To be counted, mailed ballots must be postmarked by 11:59 p.m. on the night prior to the election. They must be received within 14 days of the election. 

You may also return your mail ballot in person. You can do this at an election authority's office. It must be done before polls close on election day. Mail ballots returned in person do not require postage.

You may also allow a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or licensed motor carrier to deliver the ballot to the election authority. You must put in writing that you are allowing them to do it for you.

The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures people with disabilities can vote privately and without assistance, whether they vote in person at a polling place or by mail from home. The Illinois State Board of Elections must provide a remote accessible vote by mail system that allows voters with print disabilities to electronically review, mark, and verify their ballots using assistive technology.

For more information, contact the Illinois State Board of Elections.