Voting Rights - Instructions for First Time IL Voters Who Registered By Mail

When you vote in Illinois, you are protected by a set of rights in local, state, and federal elections. Here are your voter rights, what to do if you believe your rights have been violated, what you are prohibited from doing as a voter, and special instructions for first time voters who registered by mail.

These voting rights are taken directly from the Illinois Voter Information published by the Illinois State Board of Elections and most recently revised on October 16, 2006. They are offered as a public service.

1. Your Voting Rights - Illinois
2. What to Do If You’ve Witnessed or Experienced a Violation of Voting Rights
3. What You’re Not Allowed to Do as a Voter
4. Instructions for First Time IL Voters Who Registered by Mail (See Below)

Instructions for First Time Illinois Voters Who Registered By Mail

• If you register by mail, you must vote in person the first time, either at the polling place, in-person absentee or early voting. Exception: UOCAVA and the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (HAVA 303(b)(2)(c).
  
  
• If you registered to vote by mail after January 1, 2003, and you did not submit a copy of the required identification with the application for registration at that time, and you will be voting in a jurisdiction for the first time, then you will be required to submit a copy of one of the following:
  • A current and valid photo identification
  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Government check
  • Paycheck
  • Government document
• If you use a photo id, and the photo ID has an address, it must match the registration address. If a photo id is not used, the document must show your name and address. It must be presented to the election officials before being permitted to vote. If you do not present a required form of identification, you may vote a Provisional Ballot.