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How do I request an absentee ballot?

 Voters must obtain the official application to request an absentee ballot, either by mail or in person, from your election authority. The election authority is either the county clerk or a board of election commissioners in the jurisdiction where the voter is registered. When you receive the application, include your name, home address, the address where the ballot should be mailed, and sign the application. Also, in primary elections, you must state your party affiliation.
Where do I send the request?

 For a list of county clerks and boards of election commissioners visit this website.
What is the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot?

 By Mail: you must apply for an absentee ballot not more than 40 days nor less than 5 days prior to Election Day:
January 31 for the Primary Election
October 31 for the General Election

In Person: you must request an absentee ballot not more than 40 days nor less than 1 day prior to Election Day:
February 4 for the Primary Election
November 3 for the General Election
What is the voting procedure?

 Once you receive your ballot, vote the ballot in secret. Then insert the ballot into the envelope provided, seal it, and complete and sign the certification on the back and personally return it or mail it. The absentee voter may authorize (in writing) a spouse, parent, child, brother, sister, or a licensed motor carrier, to deliver to the election authority the completed absentee ballot in sufficient time to be delivered to the polling place on Election Day.
What are the deadlines for voting absentee?

 An individual can vote in person up to and including the day before Election Day:
February 4 for the Primary Election
November 3 for the General Election

Absentee ballots must be received in the election authority’s office by Election Day:
Primary Election: February 5
General Election: November 4
What are the election dates and deadlines for 2008?

 Primary Election: February 5
General Election: November 4
Voter registration closes 28 days prior to Election Day.
How do I contact the Secretary of State / election officials?

 Jesse White
Secretary of State
213 State Capitol
Springfield, IL 62706
Tel: 217-782-2201

State Board of Elections
1020 South Spring St.
Springfield, IL 62704
Tel: 217-782-4141
Toll-free 1-800-252-8980
Are there requirements for first-time voters?

 If you are a first-time voter who intends to use an absentee ballot, you must register to vote in person. If you do not register in person but instead by mail or at a registration drive, then you must vote in person the first time you vote. If you vote in person for any election, you may vote by mail in all following elections.
Additional information:

 To register to vote, download an application here.

More on absentee voting in Illinois is available here.

An absentee voting pamphlet can be downloaded from this website.

In person, absentee voting is conducted at the office of the county clerk or board of election commissioners. Qualified municipal, township and road district clerks may also conduct in person absentee voting. Please check with the county clerk or board of election commissioners for a list of local clerks in your area who conduct absentee voting.