Illinois law now allows any registered voter to receive a ballot by mail. Requests for a ballot can be made by email, calling (847) 377-2406, or enrolling in our permanent voting by mail program. Should your address for mailing a ballot change for some elections, you can enroll in our Snowbird Program and specify the appropriate address for each election cycle.
A ballot may be requested starting 40 days and up to 5 days before an election. Military personnel and voters outside the United States may apply for a ballot 100 days prior to the election. All ballots must be delivered by U.S Postal Service or, when the voter covers the cost, by a certified carrier.
Registered voters in Lake County who enroll in our voting by mail program do not need to request a ballot prior to each election. Applications and ballots are automatically mailed to the voter at the address indicated and for the elections specified. Enrollment continues until the Clerk's office is notified of a change.
Voting by Mail Application
The following non-registered persons are eligible for voting by mail:
- Members of the uniformed service or Merchant Marine on active duty including eligible spouses or dependents,
- U.S. citizens temporarily residing outside the United States,
- U.S. citizens overseas by virtue of employment or accompanying their spouses or dependents, or
- Other U.S. citizens residing outside the United States.