Ways to Vote
Vote by Mail
If you cannot make it to a polling place during an early voting time or on Election Day, you can request a mail ballot application through TurboVote. TurboVote will likely route you to your local election webpage which can provide more information about how to apply to vote by mail either via a paper or online application. If you want to vote in your home precinct rather than at your school address, but you won't be able to make it to vote in person, this is how you can still vote in that precinct. If this is how you prefer to vote, be sure to plan ahead! Allow time for your ballot be mailed to you, then for you to complete it and mail it back in time to be counted. Vote by mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day. If you are studying abroad, you can find specific resources the Federal Voting Assistance Program. If you are voting absentee by mail as a resident of another state and need your signature notarized, know that the ISU Registrar's Office (Moulton 107) provides free notary services during regular hours for all students, staff, and faculty
Important Dates for Voting by Mail in the 2024 General Election:
- August 7: First day to request a Vote by Mail ballot for the general election. Use the application linked on this page if you are voting in McLean County.
- September 26: Vote by Mail ballots begin mailing to those who request them.
- October 31: Deadline to request a Vote by Mail ballot.
- November 5: Last day for Vote by Mail ballots to be postmarked.
- November 19: Deadline for Vote by Mail ballots to be received.
Vote Early
Avoid lines on election day and vote early at any of the following locations. Check here for specific hours for each polling place.
Important Dates for Voting Early in the 2024 General Election:
- September 26: First day of early voting in McLean County.
- October 21: First day of early voting at the Bone Student Center.
- November 1: Last day of early voting at the Bone Student Cetner
- November 4: Last day of early voting in McLean County.
Vote on Election Day
Polling place hours are 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you are in line by 7 p.m., you are entitled to vote.
- Not sure where to go to vote? McLean County voters can look up their polling place online.
- The Bone Student Center is a vote center, meaning that anyone registered under the McLean County Election Authority can vote at the Bone Student Center on Election Day.
- Bloomington residents are unable to vote at the Bone Student Center and must utilize the resources from the Bloomington Board of Election Commissioners.
- Illinois offers same-day voter registration, so you can register to vote on Election Day. Check the Voter Registration page for information on how to register.
- If you need a ride to the polls on election day, Connect Transit provides free bus service to students. A bus runs from Uptown Station to Eastland Mall (a vote center) every 30 minutes.