How to Register Online to Vote By Mail in Chicago

Any registered Chicago voter can vote by mail ... no excuse needed! Apply with the Chicago Board of Elections, mark your ballot from the comfort of home, and return it postmarked by Election Day.

Nov 3, 2026

Confirm you are registered to vote. Check at Chicagoelections.gov. If you aren't registered, there's a link on the page to register.
Apply for Vote by Mail Online. Go to the Chicago Board of Elections vote-by-mail page. Enter your first and last name (no middle name), full street address with direction, and ZIP code.
Pick one-time or permanent. Request a ballot for one election, or join the Permanent Vote By Mail Roster to always have a ballot sent to you.
Apply early. Applications typically open about 90 days before an election and close 5 days before it. Late requests risk not getting the ballot back in time.
Watch your email. Online applicants get emails when the application is accepted, when the ballot is mailed, when it's received, and when it's counted.
Receive your ballot in the mail. Expect to see your ballot a few weeks before the election.
After voting, return your ballot one of three ways:
Mail: Return postage is already paid. Just drop it in a mailbox!
Drop box: Drop at any Chicago Early Voting site before Election Day, or any Vote Center on Election Day. Regular precinct polling places have no drop boxes.
In person: 69 W. Washington St., Sixth Floor.
Track it! If you applied online, you should get an email when your ballot is received, and again when it's processed. You can always check online here: https://chicagoelections.gov/voting/your-voter-information