Statewide early voting for November’s general election began on Monday, even though many locations were closed in recognition of a federal holiday.
Registered voters can submit their ballots at designated early voting locations until Thurs., Oct. 28 for the Nov. 2 general election. Early voters do not have to provide an excuse for submitting their ballots before Election Day.
The state first implemented early voting before the 2006 statewide general election. Election authorities in each county are tasked with announcing early voting locations. Local election offices and county clerk’s offices often serve as early voting locations.
There are 110 election authorities throughout the state, including county clerks in 101 counties, one county election commission and eight municipal election commissions. Earlier this year, lawmakers passed and Gov. Pat Quinn inked into law a pilot program establishing early voting on the campuses of public universities.
Registered voters have also had the opportunity to submit absentee ballots for more than two weeks now. For a list of early voting locations, visit this website for the Illinois State Board of Elections.
