Election Survival Guide: How to brave the 2024 Presidential Election in Illinois

As Illinois gears up for the 2024 presidential election on Tuesday, November 5, voters have multiple avenues to make their voices heard. From selecting the next President to state and local elections, here's a guide to ensure you cast your ballot effectively.

Registration and voting methods

Illinois offers various voter registration methods. Residents can register automatically at the Secretary of State’s office, by mail, or online via the Illinois State Board of Elections' website. The deadline for online registration is Sunday, October 20, with mail-in registration past its due date of Tuesday, October 8, as reported by NBC Chicago. In-person registration is also available up to and including Election Day, requiring proper identification.

Early voting has commenced across most areas, allowing citizens to vote ahead of the election date. As early as Thursday, September 26, some counties provided early voting locations, with specifics available through local clerks or the Illinois State Board of Elections. All 50 Wards of Chicago opened early voting on Monday, October 21. Sites are open from 9a.m.-6p.m. on weekdays, 9a.m.-5p.m. on Saturday, and 10a.m.-4p.m. on Sunday. The Downtown Supersite is open to all Chicago voters, located at 191 N. Clark St.

For those unable or unwilling to vote in person, Illinois permits voting by mail. The application deadline for mail-in ballots is Thursday, October 31, and they must be postmarked by the end of Election Day according to NBC Chicago. Additional voting resources are accessible through the NBC Chicago app.

Important election details

Polling places open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.; however, those in line when polls close will still be allowed to vote. Illinois does not require ID if registered at the correct address, though ID may resolve issues during voting, NBC Chicago noted.

This election cycle does not include U.S. Senate races, but all 17 seats in Illinois' House, all state House seats, and a third of state Senate seats are on the ballot, according to NBC Chicago. Additionally, there are three advisory questions, including potential penalties for candidate interference with election operations and a proposed income tax surcharge for those earning over $1 million.

In a press conference on Thursday, October 24, Congressmen Jesus "Chuy" Garcia and Danny Davis joined Governor Pat Quinn to discuss the Illinois Property Tax Relief Amendment Referendum. The Illinois politicians urged Illinois voters to vote "yes" on their ballots, which would amend the Illinois Constitution and create an additional 3% tax on the state's millionaires "for the purpose of dedicating funds raised to property tax relief."

In a press release, Governor Quinn stated, “For too long, millionaires have been getting tax breaks and Illinois homeowners have been getting higher and higher property tax bills. The Property Tax Relief Referendum gives Illinois voters a chance to reform an unfair upside-down tax code and give long-overdue property tax relief to everyday homeowners across the state.” 

Presidential candidates in the general election

According to Ballotpedia.org, there are four noteworthy presdential candidates that will be on ballots this year across the United States: 

• Kamala Harris (D)

• Donald Trump (R)

• Jill Stein (G)

• Chase Oliver (L)

Though Stein is originally from Chicago, she will not be listed on Illinois ballots, as reported by Ballotpedia.org; Oliver will be allowed as a write-in vote for Illinois.

For more helpful tips, read columnist Jon Cohn's guide on what not to do on Election Day. 

Legal challenges or changes in voter information requirements are detailed on Illinois' election web portals. Stay updated with NBC Chicago’s website for comprehensive election coverage.