Illinois
Use this site to vote absentee if you are
- a U.S. citizen.
- at least 18 years old.
- absent from your voting residence.
The absentee voting process applies to you if you are
- an active duty member of the Uniformed Services or Merchant Marine absent from your voting residence.
- an eligible spouse or family member of an active duty member of the Uniformed Services or Merchant Marine.
- a U.S. citizen residing outside the country.
STEP 1
Register and request your absentee ballot with the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).
STEP 2
Fill out and send in your ballot when it arrives.
Didn't receive your ballot?
Federal Election Deadlines
| Registration | Ballot Request | Ballot Return | |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Primary March 17, 2026 |
All other UOCAVA Not Required
Overseas Citizens (who intend to return to the US) Received by* February 17, 2026
|
Uniformed Services and eligible family members Received by March 9, 2026
Overseas Citizens (who intend to return to the US) Received by* February 17, 2026
Overseas Citizens (intent to return is uncertain) Received by** March 9, 2026
|
Signed/Postmarked by*** March 17, 2026
|
| General Election November 3, 2026 |
All other UOCAVA Not Required
Overseas Citizens (who intend to return to the US) Received by* October 5, 2026
|
Uniformed Services and eligible family members Received by October 26, 2026
Overseas Citizens (who intend to return to the US) Received by* October 5, 2026
Overseas Citizens (intent to return is uncertain) Received by** October 26, 2026
|
Signed/Postmarked by*** November 3, 2026
|
*Registration and Ballot Request for Overseas Citizens (who intend to return to the US): Ballot requests received by the 30th day before the election will receive a full ballot. Ballot requests received between the 29th and 10th days before the election will receive a federal only ballot.
**Ballot Request for Overseas Citizens (intent to return is uncertain): Only eligible to receive a federal only ballot.
***Ballot Return: Ballots must still be received by the 14th day after the election.
Please mail your voting materials early enough to account for mail delivery times. Check the recommended mailing dates section in Chapter 1 for details.
