Vote in Person Early or on Election Day
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. In addition, voters who have health concerns are encouraged to take advantage of voting early.
Voting early follows the same basic process as voting on Election Day. You can vote at any Early Voting location in Champaign County. You can vote early at the Brookens Center starting February 23, 2023 if you're a registered voter. All other countywide or campus locations provide Early Voting starting March 27, 2023.
Whether you're registered or not, you can take advantage of same-day/time registration and voting, as well as just voting if you're already registered, at the Brookens Center starting March 8, and at any of the other countywide locations starting March 27.
You can learn more about Early Voting and see a full list of locations and times to vote early at the Champaign County Clerk’s website. Pull down the "When and Where" option.
Voting early follows the same basic process as voting on Election Day. You can vote at any Early Voting location in Champaign County. You can vote early at the Brookens Center starting February 23, 2023 if you're a registered voter. All other countywide or campus locations provide Early Voting starting March 27, 2023.
Whether you're registered or not, you can take advantage of same-day/time registration and voting, as well as just voting if you're already registered, at the Brookens Center starting March 8, and at any of the other countywide locations starting March 27.
You can learn more about Early Voting and see a full list of locations and times to vote early at the Champaign County Clerk’s website. Pull down the "When and Where" option.
Before You Vote Early or on Election Day
Before you leave your house to vote in person, here are a few things you can do to prepare:
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Register to voteIllinois has same-day registration, so you can always register when you go to vote, even on Election Day. You can save yourself time by registering beforehand. Learn more about how to register to vote.
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Figure out what - and who - you are voting forLook up what will be on your ballot and then research the candidates and issues. You are allowed to take a list of candidates you want to vote for into the booth with you. Learn more about researching your ballot and the candidates.
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Figure out where and when to voteAll eligible voters can vote at any Early Voting location in Champaign County. The times for these locations can vary, but most are open Monday-Friday from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
If you are voting on election day, April 4, 2023, you can vote at ANY polling location in the county, inlcuding your home precinct. All polling locations are "universal"--open to all voters, regardless of where you live in the county. See the list of all election-day polling locations here: Election Day Voting Information. To find your home precinct, check your Voter Information card or click here to look up your address. On Election Day all polling locations are open 6:00 am - 7:00 pm. |
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Bring your ID: Play It SafeYou may need to show ID at the polling place, especially if you are a first-time voter or have recently moved or changed your registration. Bring an ID (easy to use your current driver's license or state ID) and something else that shows your current permanent street address. Examples of these are an Illinois driver's license or other state ID, hunting or fishing license, FOID (Firearm Owner's ID) card, library card, student ID card, any piece of mail delivered to you at your residence in the last 30 days or an online bill or receipt showing your address from the same time period.
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Do not wear any political attireElectioneering or campaigning is not allowed inside the polling places or in line, so clothing, accessories, or other materials that have any party or candidate names or slogans are not allowed.
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Wear a maskVoters are welcome to wear masks at all times while in line and 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
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Be safeIf you wear a mask, put it on before entering the polling place to keep the election judges, other voters, and yourself safe.
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Check in at the table with the election judgesThe judges will ask you your name and possibly your date of birth or address. Judges will also ask you to sign your name in the signature book. Once your signature has been verified as matching the signature on record, you’ll be checked in and given a ballot.
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Take your ballot and pen to a voting boothYou may bring candidate materials or a list of candidates you want to vote for into the booth with you. These materials must be discrete and not be shown 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.
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Fill out your ballotThere will be instructions in the voting booth on how to fill out your ballot. Election judges will also explain it to you. Fill in the ovals completely. If you make a mistake, return the ballot 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.
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Turn in your ballotOnce 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 so the judge can see where another judge has initialed the ballot. Slide your ballot into the machine. You'll see a message letting you know your ballot was cast successfully, or that you missed filling out a section or filled in ovals for too many candidates in a race. If there are any 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.
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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 judges are there to help you. They’ll show you how to fill out the ballot and use the voting machine. They'll give you a provisional ballot if one is needed. Ask about, or read, the signs at your polling place. These 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.
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.
