As the November 3, 2020 election approaches, the Chicago Board of Elections is working tirelessly to make sure that every Chicagoan can safely vote during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Below are helpful links and a guide detailing the options available to you for casting your ballot in the 2020 election: voting by mail, early voting, or voting on Election Day. I also encourage you to check to make sure that your voter registration is up to date.

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Vote By Mail

The Chicago Board of Elections sent a mailing out earlier this summer with an updated voter card, along with information to vote by mail. Please note that if you received this piece of mail from the Board of Elections, it does not mean that you will automatically receive a Vote By Mail (VBM) application.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding VBM. If you have questions about your VBM ballot, please contact the Chicago Board of Elections at 312-269-7900.

How do I register to vote by mail? What is the last day that I can request a VBM ballot?
Click here to register to vote by mail online. You can register online until 5:00 pm on Thursday, October 29. However, it is recommended that you register by October 15 to ensure that you have plenty of time to receive and mail back your ballot. 

When will VBM ballots be mailed?
The Chicago Board of Elections began mailing VBM ballots on September 24. Once you request your VMB ballot, you will receive emails:

• In the days that follow your online application to confirm that it has been received and processed

• When your ballot is being mailed to you, with a unique link to track the ballot through the US Postal Service

• When your VBM "Ballot Return Envelope" is received by the Election Board

• When your VMB "Ballot Return Envelope" has been approved for counting, or if there is a question or problem with your Ballot Return Envelope.

How do I check the status of my VBM ballot request?
You may check the status of your VBM ballot request on the Chicago Board of Elections website.

How do I return my VBM ballot?
You may return your VBM ballot through the mail, by dropping it off in person at a secure drop box at any of Chicago's Early Vote locations during the dates and times that those sites are open, or by taking it in person to the Election Board at 69 W. Washington Street, Sixth Floor.

What is the deadline to return my VBM ballot by mail?
Ballots returned via the United States Postal Service must be postmarked by November 3, 2020 to ensure that the ballot is counted. Ballots can be returned in person to a Board of Elections secure drop box by 7:00 pm on November 3.

What should I do if I do not receive my VBM ballot?
If you have not received your VBM ballot on or before Thursday, October 29, call the Board of Elections at 312-269-7967 to alert them. You may also vote in person at an Early Vote location through November 2, or at your polling place on November 3 instead.

What if I received a VBM ballot, but wish to vote early instead?
You must bring your incomplete ballot to any Early Vote location, and surrender the ballot to a Judge of Election. You will be allowed to vote in-person following the surrender of your ballot. 

What if I received a VBM ballot, but wish to vote on Election Day instead?
You must surrender your ballot to a Judge of Election at your polling location. You will be allowed to vote in-person following the surrender of your ballot. 

IMPORTANT: You may NOT vote in-person if you have already returned your VBM ballot.

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Early Voting (October 1 - November 2)

The Chicago Board of Elections announced the list of 50 Early Vote (EV) locations on Friday, September 18, 2020. 2nd Ward voters may vote at any of the City's EV locations (except on Election Day). Please note, the 2nd Ward EV location moved to Ogden Elementary School (24 W. Walton Street).

October 1: Early Voting at the Loop Super Site opens
191 N. Clark Street
8:30 am - 7:00 pm Monday-Friday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday-Sunday

October 14: All other Early Voting locations open
Click here for a list of all EV locations
8:30 am - 7:00 pm Monday-Friday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday-Sunday

A government-issued photo ID is not required but is helpful if there is a question about the voter's registration, address, signature, or if there are two voters at the same address with the same names or similar names.

Grace Period Voter Registration services are available at every Early Voting location. Learn more about registering to vote or updating your registration at one of these sites on my website's Voter Registration Information page.

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Voting On Election Day (November 3)

If you prefer to vote on Election Day, please note that the Chicago Board of Elections is still finalizing its list of polling locations. Many polling locations were moved at the last minute during the March Primary, leading to some confusion. The Chicago Board of Elections intends to notify all voters of any polling location changes by mail in the coming days. 

If your polling location moves in the days before Election Day, or for any other reason, you may cast your vote at the 2nd Ward EV location from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm: Ogden Elementary School (24 W. Walton Street).
 
Before you head out to vote in-person, be sure to check your polling location status and precinct number.

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