Illini Vote
Main Content
Students at the University of Illinois have the opportunity to engage, learn and serve. At Illinois, we expand this notion into the idea of civic education and democratic engagement. An engaged Illini is one who participates in a comprehensive experience that challenges them to participate and through that participation provide a service or benefit that meets the needs of our community. Civic education is a combination of promoting the education of students for engaged participation through democratic participation in their communities, respect and appreciation of diversity, applied learning, and social responsibility.
Power of Democratic Engagement & Community Change
A Democracy relies on each student to participate in helping to shape our Illini community and the communities at home. One of our key goals as an institution is to ensure that students leave Illinois with not only a world class education in a discipline, but to be able to make a significant and visible societal impact.
- Inquiry leads to Discovery
- Discovery leads to Knowledge
- Knowledge leads to Action
- Action leads to Change
Register
Register to vote online in Illinois at ova.elections.il.gov. Mail-in ballot application can also be completed.
Who can register to vote?
To register to vote you must:
- Be a United States Citizen.
- Be at least 18 years old on or before the next election; 17 years old to vote in a Primary if you will be 18 as of the following General Election.
- Live in the precinct at least 30 days prior to the next election.
- Not be convicted and in jail.
- Not claim the right to vote anywhere else.
Same day registration
If students want to register same day, they need two forms of ID, one of which shows their current address.
- a current and valid photo ID
- a current utility bill
- bank statement
- government check
- paycheck
- a student ID along with a lease or other government document that shows name and address
- for students living in a residence hall, showing your address via MyHousing
Research
Vote
The Campus Vote Project works with universities, community colleges, faculty, students and election officials to reduce barriers to student voting. This state-by-state guide can help students find information about voting in their home.
Many Ways to Vote
Vote by Mail. It's easy, safe and secure.
Request a vote by mail application. This application for vote by mail ballot must be sent to the election authority for the jurisdiction in which you are registered.
Mail in your election ballot or deliver it to a secure drop box. Find drop box locations
Student Voter FAQ
Get answers to your questions about voting as a student.