Vote in Person (Early or on Election Day) - April 6 Municipal Election

What is Early Voting?

Voting early gives you the opportunity to vote in-person before election day. Many voters find early voting is quicker and more convenient than voting on Election Day, as polling places tend to be less crowded. This year, voters who wish to vote in person are encouraged to take advantage of voting early in order to reduce their risk of exposure to Covid-19.

Voting early is the same basic process as voting on Election Day. The main difference is that unlike Election Day voting where you are only allowed to vote at your assigned polling place or one of the universal polling places, you can vote at any early voting location in Champaign County. You can vote early at the Champaign County Clerk’s office starting September 24, and at one of the county-wide or campus locations starting October 19th.

If you haven’t registered to vote by October 6th, you can take advantage of same-day registration and voting at any in-person locations starting October 7th.

You can learn more about early voting and see a full list of locations and times to vote at the Champaign County Clerk’s Website.

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Before You Vote

Before you leave your house to vote in person, here are a few things you can do to prepare:

Register to vote

Illinois has some day registration so you can always register when you go to vote, by you can save yourself time by registering beforehand. Learn more about how to register to vote.

Figure out what you are voting for

Look up what will be on your ballot and then research the candidates and issues that are on it. You are allowed  to take a list of candidates you want to vote for into the booth with you if you wish. Learn more about researching your ballot and the candidates.

Figure out where and when to vote

If you are voting early, you can vote at any of the early voting locations in Champaign County. The times for these early voting locations can vary, but most are open Monday-Friday from 10AM-6PM and Saturday from 10AM-3PM, & Sunday from 1PM-5PM.

If you are voting on election day you will either need to vote at your assigned polling location or one of the universal polling location, and these locations are open 6AM-7PM. You can look up your assigned polling place or the universal polling locations at the Champaign County Clerk’s Site.

Bring your ID

You may need to show ID at the polling place, especially if you are a new voter or have recently moved or changed your registration.  Play it safe. Bring a photo ID and another ID that shows your current permanent street address. Examples of these are Illinois driver's license or other state ID, hunting or fishing license, FOID card, library card, student ID card, any recent piece of mail delivered to you at your residence or an online bill or receipt showing your address. 

Do not wear any political attire

Electioneering or campaigning is not allowed inside the polling places, so clothing, accessories or other materials that have any party or candidate names or slogans are not allowed.

Wear a mask

Voters are asked to wear masks at all times while in the polling place to ensure the safety of the poll workers and fellow voters.

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What to do when you go to vote in person

Be safe

Put your mask on before entering the polling place to keep the election judges, other voters and yourself safe.

Check in at the table with the election judges

The judges ask you your name, possibly your date of birth or address, and ask for your signature. Once your signature has been verified as matching the signature on record, you’ll be checked in and given a ballot.

Take your ballot and pen to a voting booth

You may  bring candidate materials or a list of candidates you with vote for into the booth with you. These materials must be discrete and not show to other voters. You may also bring your children into the voting booth, but please ensure they do not disturb or infringe on the privacy of other voters.

Fill out your ballot

There will be instructions in the voting booth on how to fill out your ballot directly and the election judges will explain it to you. Fill-in the ovals completely. If you make a mistake, return it to the election judges and you’ll be given a new one. If you have any questions or need help filling out your ballot, please speak to the Election Judges, they are there to help you.  

Turn in your ballot

Once you have completed your ballot, place it in the privacy cover with the top 2 inches sticking out. Take it over to the Election Judge at the tabulator, and they help you place the ballot so that the machine can verify that you have not missed filling out a section or filled out too many candidates in a race. If there are an issues with your ballot you will be given a chance to address them, but you are not obligated to change your ballot if you do not wish to.

You're done!

Get your “I voted!” sticker from the judges and you’re done!

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What if I have a problem?

The Election Officials are there to help you.  They’ll show you how to fill out the ballot, use the voting machine or give you a provisional ballot if you need one. Ask, or read the signs at your polling place, which have instructions, list your voting rights, and say how to file a complaint.

Disabled or elderly voters who cannot access the polling place can request to vote outside the entrance. Make the request to the election authority ahead of the election. If you need assistance filling out your ballot due to a disability, please speak to the Election Judges.

Even if the line is long, don’t leave without voting. If you are in line before the polls close, you’re allowed to vote!

If you run into any issues while voting or have concerns, reach out to the County Clerk's Office.

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For More Information

• Early Voting Information from the County Clerk's Office
• Election Day Voting Information from the County Clerk's Office