Request Registration/Absentee Ballot

The Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) registers you to vote and requests absentee ballots for all regularly scheduled Federal elections for the calendar year in which it is submitted. Voters should submit a new application after January 1 of each year.

Registration is not required, you still need to complete the form to receive an absentee ballot. You may not need to fill out this entire form. Check out the instructions below to see what information your State requires.

Open Voter Registration/Absentee Ballot Request

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What do I fill in?

Only the following blocks are required:

Block 1: Select the category that describes you

Block 2: To vote in primary elections, you must enter your political party affiliation. Political party affiliation is not required if only requesting absentee ballots for general elections

Block 3: Name (Last, First, Middle)

Block 4: Date of Birth

Your valid Illinois Driver's License number OR the last four digits of your Social Security number is required for voter registration. If you do not possess either of these identification numbers, the State shall assign a number that will serve to identify you for voter registration purposes.

Block 5: Recommended but not required. Provide your contact information to allow your local election official to follow up if more information is required.

Block 6: Illinois allows you to receive the absentee ballot by mail, email, fax or via Illinois’ secured ballot upload system. Please rank your preference of how you would like to receive your absentee ballot. Provide your email address or fax number in Block 9. If you do not make a selection, your local election official will mail your ballot to you.

Block 7: Complete street address of your Illinois voting residence. A post office box is not sufficient. If your address includes a rural route, describe its location in Block 9. This address must be within the county where you claim legal voting residence.

Block 8: Complete address where you want your ballot sent, usually where you live now.

Block 9: Provide any information that may assist the local election official in accepting this application.

Affirmation: Sign and date. No notary or witness required.

Mail

You must mail your Voter Registration/Absentee Ballot Request to your local election official. Find your county or city in the list below to locate your election official.

Open Election Official Address List

Don't know your county? Go to the county finder.

Don't know your zip code? Go to the United States Postal Service website.

Optional: You may be able to use the Postage-Paid Envelope Template.

Open Postage-Paid Envelope Template

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The postage paid envelope may be used if mailed in the U.S. Postal System, which includes all U.S. Military post offices (APO/FPO) overseas or through the diplomatic pouch available at U.S. embassies/consulates. Affix appropriate postage if using international mail. Template must be printed on a number 10 or larger envelope.

Email

If you choose to email, it is recommended that you email the form directly to your local election official (email addresses can be found on Illinois' State Election website). You may also use our Electronic Transmission Service by sending the form as an attachment to ets@fvap.gov.

Fax

If you choose to fax, it is recommended that you fax the form directly to your local election official (fax numbers can be found on Illinois' State Election website). You may also use our toll-free fax service:

Inside the U.S.? Fax to:
1-800-368-8683
(703) 588-2148
DSN 425-2148

Outside the U.S.? Show me a list of toll-free fax numbers.

Open Fax/Email Coversheet

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• If you are a U.S. citizen residing temporarily overseas and would like to register, you must submit your FPCA so that it is received by the local election office no later than 30 days before the election.
• If you have not received your absentee ballot in a timely manner use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot.