Ways to Vote
Vote by Mail
If you cannot make it to a polling place during an early voting time or on Election Day, you can request a mail ballot application and a pre-paid envelope through TurboVote. When you receive your application in the mail, you'll need to fill it out and sign it according to the instructions. If you want to vote in your home precinct rather than at your school address, but you won't be able to make it to vote in person, this is how you can still vote in that precinct. If this is how you prefer to vote, be sure to plan ahead! Allow time for your ballot be mailed to you, then for you to complete it and mail it back, in time to be counted. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.
Important Dates for Voting by Mail in the 2024 Primary Election:
- December 20, 2023: First day to request a Vote by Mail ballot for the Illinois primary election. Use the application linked on this page if you are voting in McLean County.
- February 8, 2024: Vote by Mail ballots begin mailing to those who request them.
- March 14, 2024: Deadline to request a Vote by Mail ballot electronically.
- March 19, 2024: Last day for Vote by Mail ballots to be postmarked.
- April 2, 2024: Deadline for Vote by Mail ballots to be received.
Important Dates for Voting by Mail in the 2024 General Election:
- August 7: First day to request a Vote by Mail ballot for the general election. Use the application linked on this page if you are voting in McLean County.
- September 26: Vote by Mail ballots begin mailing to those who request them.
- October 31: Deadline to request a Vote by Mail ballot.
- November 5: Last day for Vote by Mail ballots to be postmarked.
- November 19: Deadline for Vote by Mail ballots to be received.
Need a stamp? Students can stop by the Center for Civic Engagement at 300 W. North Street, Normal, to pick up a stamp for their mail-in ballot. Many counties have pre-paid mail in ballots, so be sure to check that your mail-in ballot needs a stamp.
Vote Early
Avoid lines on election day and vote early at any of the following locations. Check here for specific hours for each polling place.
Important Dates for Voting Early in the 2024 Primary Election:
- February 8: First day of early voting at Eastland Mall and the McLean County Government Center.
- March 4: First day of early voting at the Bone Student Center and Watterson Towers (Rosa Parks Room).
- March 15: Last day of early voting at the Bone Student Center and Watterson Towers (Rosa Parks Room).
- March 18: Last day of early voting at Eastland Mall and the McLean County Government Center.
On or after February 21, 2024, you may register to vote AND vote at all early voting locations. Be sure to bring the appropriate forms of identification. Prior to February 21, you may vote at an early voting location, but must be registered to vote prior to arrival. See the Voter Registration page for information on how to register.
Important Dates for Voting Early in the 2024 General Election:
- September 26: First day of early voting.
- November 4: Last day of early voting.
Vote on Election Day
The 2024 Illinois primary election will take place on Tuesday, March 19. Polling place hours are 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you are in line by 7 p.m., you are entitled to vote.
- Not sure where to go to vote? McLean County voters can look up their polling place online.
- The Bone Student Center is a vote center, meaning that anyone registered under the McLean County Election Authority can vote at the Bone Student Center on Election Day.
- Illinois offers same-day voter registration, so you can register to vote on Election Day. Check the Voter Registration page for information on how to register.
Future Election Dates - Save the Date
| Election | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Primary | March 19 | March 17 | |
| Local Primary | February 25 | ||
| Local Election | April 1 | ||
| General Election | November 5 | November 3 |