Register and Ways to Vote

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 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 vote in person, this is how you can still vote in that precinct. If you prefer to vote by mail, be sure to plan ahead! Allow time for your ballot to be mailed to you, then for you to complete it and mail it back (or drop it off) in time to be counted. To ensure your ballot is counted, consider mailing it several days before the election so it is postmarked by Election Day, dropping it off at a secure ballot box, or handing it directly to a postal worker at a Post Office location. 

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 2026 General Election:

• August 5: First day to request a Vote by Mail ballot for the municipal election. Use the application linked on this page if you are voting in McLean County.
• September 24: Vote by Mail ballots begin mailing to those who request them.
• October 29: Deadline to request a Vote by Mail ballot.
• November 3: Last day for Vote by Mail ballots to be postmarked. 

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To avoid lines on election day, you can visit the Bone Student Center or Government Center to vote early. Check here for the specific polling place hours.

Important Dates for Voting Early in the 2026 General Election:

• September 24: First day to vote early. 

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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.

Still wondering how to vote and what to do once you are at the polling place? Check out this walk-through video explaining how the voting process works.

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