State voting rules for Illinois
Illinois voters abroad need to request a ballot each calendar year they want to vote in.
Click here to start your ballot request now.
Check below for your delivery methods and deadlines, and to find your local election office contact information.
Election Deadlines for Illinois Voters Abroad
Mar
17
Not Required
Overseas voters are not required to submit a voter registration form
| Election Day | Registration | Ballot Request | Ballot Return |
|---|---|---|---|
Illinois-Primary Mar 17 | Not Required Overseas voters are not required to submit a voter registration form | Civilian Mail or Email or Fax: Feb 17, 2026 Received by Civilian voters who are not registered and who "intend to return" will receive a ballot with state and federal offices Civilian Mail or Email or Fax: Mar 9, 2026 Received by Civilian voters who are registered to vote and who "intend to return" will receive a ballot with state and federal offices Civilian Mail or Email or Fax: Mar 9, 2026 Received by All other civilian voters will receive a ballot with federal offices only Active Duty Military or Family Member Mail or Email or Fax: Mar 9, 2026 Received by | Postal mail: Mar 17, 2026 Postmarked by and received by March 31, 2026 |
How to Submit to Your Election Office
Registration: Email or Fax or Mail
(Illinois voters are not required to submit a voter registration form)
Ballot Request: Email or Fax or Mail
Ballot Return: Mail
(Some Illinois jurisdictions have indicated they will accept ballots returned by email or fax, but state law requires mail return. If you return your ballot by email or fax, we recommend you mail it back as well)
Type of Ballot Based on Voter Category
“My Return is Uncertain" -- If you choose this category, you will receive a ballot to vote in federal elections only (US President, US Senate, and US House of Representatives). But you won't be eligible to vote in Illinois state and local elections (Governor, State Legislature, School Board, etc).
"Intend to Return" -- Means you have an intention to return in the future, but you don't need a set date or specific plans. If you choose this category, you will receive a ballot to vote in federal, state, and local elections. But this may be one of several factors used to determine whether you may be subject to Illinois state income tax.
“I've Never Lived in the US" -- If you choose this category, you will receive a ballot to vote in federal elections only (US President, US Senate, and US House of Representatives). You aren't eligible to vote in Illinois state or local elections (Governor, State Legislature, School Board, etc).
"Military - Active Duty" -- If you choose this category, you will receive a ballot to vote in federal, state, and local elections.
"Military - Spouse or Dependent" -- If you choose this category, you will receive a ballot to vote in federal, state, and local elections.
Find Your Election Office
Jurisdiction
Click in the box below and select your local election official from the list (may be county, city, town...)
Additional Resources
You may need to use a VPN if you cannot connect to your state's voter information pages. Some states only allow internet connections from US locations. For more information about how to use a VPN, please click here.