Where and how to register

There are several convenient methods of registering

Mail-in application form

You can complete a mail-in voter application form and return it to the Cook County Clerk's office. Voter registration applications are available in English, Spanish and Chinese (select from the list on the right). Also, instructions are available in Korean and Polish.The Clerk's office can also mail you an application form. Call (312) 603-0906 to request one.

First-time voters who register by mail no longer have to vote in person the first time they vote. They can either vote in person or vote absentee by mail.

When submitting a voter registration application:

Fill out the entire application
Sign the application
Mail the completed, signed application to:

David Orr, Cook County Clerk
69 W. Washington St., Room 500
Chicago, IL 60602

In-person with a certified registrar

Eligible voters can also register to vote in person by going to:

One of the Cook County Clerk's six locations
A village, city or township clerk
An Illinois Secretary of State's drivers license facility. You can register to vote when you obtain or renew your drivers license or state identification card at any of the license facilities. Registration is also available at other state government offices, including public assistance offices and military recruitment offices.
Deputy registrars: Trained volunteer deputy registrars may register you to vote.

Grace period registration and voting

Grace-period registration and voting is the only way to register or change your address or name after the regular registration period ends. It is also the only way to vote if you are not registered or if your voter registration is not up to date.

For the February 2, 2010 Gubernatorial Primary Election, grace period registration and voting will be conducted Jan. 6-26 at the Clerk's downtown office (69 W. Washington, Chicago) and our five suburban mini-centers. The hours are: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 6-8, Jan. 11-16, Jan. 18-23 and Jan. 25-26; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays, Jan. 17 and Jan. 24.

Grace period registrants will either vote on touch screen voting equipment immediately after registering or by absentee paper ballot.

Grace period registrants are not eligible to vote at the polls on Election Day or take part in Early Voting.

Identification needed when registering in person

If registering to vote in person, you must display two pieces of identification. Neither needs to be a photo ID, but one must include your current address. Acceptable forms of ID include: