Voting and Election FAQ

You've got questions and we're here to help you. Take a look at the following frequently asked questions and if you still need assistance, just send us an email and we'll do our best to help. This page will be updated frequently to accommodate the needs and concerns of our student voters. Contact us with any questions you still have after reviewing this page. 

Our FAQ page is broken down into three categories:

• Registration
  • Basics of Registration
  • Voting Eligibility
• Voter Education
• Voting
  • Early Voting
  • Vote by Mail
  • Election Day Voting

 

Registration

How do I register to vote?

Registering to vote is simple! Find information on how to register online or in person. 

How do I know if I'm registered?

Check your voter registration status online. 

How do I know if I need to update my voter registration?

You will need to update your voter registration if you have legally changed your name if you have moved, or (in some states excluding Illinois) if you would like to change your political party affiliation.  You can update your voter registration online  or by contacting the local County Clerk’s office. If you would like to update your registration at a polling place in person, be sure to bring along two forms of updated ID .

Do I register to vote in Bloomington-Normal, or do I vote in my hometown?

That is up to you.  You can vote at your home or permanent address, but you can also reregister at your address here at ISU. If you are planning to vote at home you either have to drive home on Election Day or send your ballot by mail. Some students might find it easier to reregister at your on-campus address and take advantage of early voting or Election Day voting at the Bone Student Center or Watterson. If you vote here on campus, you can have a voice on local issues that will affect your everyday life as a student.

Referendums/Propositions and some offices are specific to the voting location, so you will likely see different items on the ballot depending on where you register.  Choose a community that you would like to speak into and let your voice be heard. 

Can I be registered to vote in more than one location?

No, you can only be registered to vote in one location. You are welcome to register with your home address or your school address. When deciding where to vote, consider where you most want your voice to be heard.

I'm 17, can I vote in the primaries?

If you are currently 17 years old and will turn 18 by the General Election (November 3rd), then you can vote! Register here!

I have a disability, can I still vote?

Polling locations are required to provide accommodations by the American Disabilities Act and the Voting Rights Act. Both the Bone Student Center and Watterson's Rosa Parks room is ADA accessible. 

I'm not going to be in town on election day. What should I do?

There are a couple of options. We strongly encourage all students to participate in early voting. If you live on-campus, early voting locations will be available. If you would prefer, you can also vote by mail and avoid the lines in their entirety.

I'm an out of state student registered to vote in my home state. Do I need to become an Illinois resident to vote here or should I vote a mail-in ballot?

You can choose to stay registered to vote in your home state and request a mail-in ballot online. Just remember that each state has deadlines for when you need to request an absentee ballot by. Additionally, you need to make sure your ballot is postmarked by election day to be counted. 

If you choose to register in IL, you could do so in advance online by using your Social Security Number on the voter registration system. On election day if you choose to register to vote in the IL primary, you would need two forms of ID and one must have your current address. This could be a bill sent to your apartment or a screenshot of your ISU portal that displays your on-campus address. 

Voter Education

Do I vote in Bloomington-Normal, or do I vote in my hometown?

That is up to you. Referendums/Propositions are specific to the voting location, so you will likely see different items on the ballot depending on where you register. Choose a community that you would like to speak into and let your voice be heard.

General Voting

What does a ballot even look like?

Sample ballots are available on the McLean County Clerk's website. 

What do I do if I experience resistance at the polls?

You are entitled to a provisional ballot. Complete the provisional ballot, and ask what you must do in order to ensure that your vote has been counted. If you are voting in McLean County, you can check the status of your provisional ballot online. 

If you encounter additional problems while voting, call (866) 687-8683 in order to speak to the Election Protection Hotline.

Vote By Mail

What is an absentee ballot?  Am I eligible?