How to vote for Bernie Sanders in Illinois
Not from Illinois? Choose your state!
Illinois has open primaries
Illinoisans are able to request a Democratic ballot to vote for Bernie on election day
Register By
Register to Vote by: February 16, 2016
Same-Day Registration Illinois has Same-Day Registration on March 15 at select locations [pdf]
Primary On
Illinois Primary: March 15, 2016
Illinois Voter Information
Get Registered
Good news! Because Illinois has open primaries, you can vote for Bernie regardless of your registered party. If you want to vote for Bernie, register to vote!
Illinois has Same-Day Registration which allows you to register to vote at the primaries on March 15, 2016 at select locations [pdf]
Not sure if you are registered, or what you're registered as? Check your current registration status online.
Go Vote!
Find your local polling place and cast your vote on March 15th!
Be sure to request a Democratic ballot if you want to vote for Bernie!
Note: If you’re not yet registered to vote, you can use “grace period” registration up until the day of the primary. Find out more here.
Eligibility
To vote in the Illinois Primary you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a United States Citizen.
- You must be 17 years old on or before the date of the Primary Election and turn 18 on or before the date of the General Election.
- You must live in your election precinct at least 30 days prior to Election Day.
- Not be convicted and in jail.
- Not claim the right to vote anywhere else.
Early Voting
Vote Early in Illinois! Illinoisans can vote in-person before election day! If you'll be out of town on March 15 or simply find it more convenient, vote early!
Early voting in Illinois begins February 4 and ends on March 14.
Find your early voting times and locations here.
You can also request a mail-in absentee ballot until March 14th. Learn more about mail-in voting here.
Only 17?
You may still vote in Illinois's primaries if you will be 18 years old by November 8, 2016.
College Students
If you are a college student not living in your home state, you can vote for Bernie in either your home state or in the state in which you are attending school!
Military/Overseas Voters
If you are a Military Voter or a US Citizen living abroad, you are able to request a ballot here to vote for Bernie.
More Information
If you have any questions about voting in Illinois you may contact your state official elections office or Democratic party.
- Official Illinois Elections Website
- Phone: (312) 814-6440
Find local Bernie supporters and get help from /r/Illinois4Sanders
Will you help Bernie win?
"I've said it since day one: I can't do it alone." - Bernie Sanders
This grassroots campaign depends on grassroots support like you! There are many opportunities to help out Bernie's campaign right now, and if you want more, sign up as a volunteer with the official campaign.
Many of us don't have much time for volunteer work, and if you're not able to volunteer but still want Bernie to win:
Donate to the Bernie Sanders Campaign
Phone Bank for Bernie
Phonebanking is the single most important thing you can do for the campaign besides voting. Primaries are here, and we need to be calling people and letting them know about how to vote in their state. Don't be scared! I hear from many people that it's daunting to call strangers on the phone, but you will have a script to read and the typical call length is very short.
Start Phonebanking for Bernie!
Attend or host a local event
Phone Banking, Canvassing, Voter Registration Drives, Carpools -- these are just a few of the volunteer-hosted events popping up around the nation in support of Bernie Sanders, and some probably in your city!
If you can't find any events nearby, you should host your own — I've done it several times and it's been a great experience meeting local Bernie supporters!