Peoria Standard

Tomorrow marks Election Day in Illinois, and those who have not yet voted early or by mail will head to the polls. The polls are set to open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., with potential for extended hours if ordered by the courts due to operational issues. Voters must be in line before closing time to cast their ballots.

Polling places can be located via the State Board of Election website. Identification requirements vary: registered voters typically only need their signature, but first-time voters who registered by mail without providing ID must present two forms of identification at the polls.

Illinois allows voter registration on Election Day at polling places, requiring U.S. citizenship, being 18 years old for a Consolidated General Election, and residency in the precinct for at least 30 days prior. Two forms of ID are necessary, one showing current address.

Sample ballots are available on county election authority websites or through the Illinois Voters Guide. Written materials can be brought into voting booths as reminders.

Poll workers provide instruction on voting machines using specimen ballots outside of voting booths. Assistance is available for voters with vision impairments from election judges or a chosen individual not affiliated with employers, unions, or candidates.

Voters who received but did not return mail-in ballots may vote in person if they bring their mailed ballot; otherwise, they must use provisional ballots. Those whose names do not appear on voter lists can also vote provisionally while eligibility is confirmed.