How to Vote Early in Chicago and Suburban Cook County, IL

Illinois citizens are allowed to cast their votes before Election Day. Here is a run-down of what you need to know to vote early if you are a citizen of Chicago or suburban Cook County, Illinois.

Related Reading:

How to Vote Absentee in Chicago and suburban Cook County, IL
How to Register to Vote in Chicago and suburban Cook County, IL

Key Facts to Know About Casting Your Vote Early

• You do not need to provide a reason or excuse for voting early.
• Voters who participate in early voting must vote in person. If you can't make it to early voting, then you must vote absentee.
• Bring a photo ID. You are required by law to present a valid identification to election officials before you can receive an early ballot. Valid i.d.'s are considered to be a current driver’s license, state-issued ID card or another government-issued ID with a photograph.
• Your ballot is secret just as it would be during regular voting.
• According to the Cook County Clerk's office, early voting will be conducted on touch screens that store every ballot style in the county, permitting any voter in suburban Cook to vote at any location.
• Finally, a reader who early voted wrote to tell me that she ran into problems ensuring she had the right ballot. Learn how you can quickly and easily print out a copy of the ballot you should be getting before you go to vote early.

Dates When You Can Cast Your Vote Early in Chicago and Suburban Cook County

For the Tuesday, February 2, 2010 Primary Elections, early voting will take place Monday, January 11, 2010 through Thursday, January 28, 2010.

Where to Vote Early in Chicago and Suburban Cook County, IL

The City of Chicago's early voting locations, hours, and information can be found here. You can find the suburban Cook County early voting locations for the here. (PDF)

Still Have Questions about Early Voting in Chicago and Suburban Cook County, IL?

You can call the Cook County Clerk's information line at (312) 603-0906. You can call the City of Chicago's Board of Elections at (312) 269-7900.