Start Now to Make Sure Your Vote Will Count in November
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Voter To-Do List for the November 3, 2026 Election
Make sure you’re registered to vote at your current address.
If you need to register or re-register and need help, call the Democratic Voter Information Hotline at 847-433-VOTE (8683). If you’re a U.S. citizen and will be 18 years old on or before November 3, 2026, you can vote in the 2026 election.
Request a vote-by-mail-ballot. Better yet, sign up for “Permanent Vote-by-Mail" so that you’re automatically mailed a ballot for every election. Having a mail ballot ensures that in case of accident or illness or family emergency you can still vote. You can always take your mail ballot to a polling place and give it back if you prefer to vote in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request a vote-by-mail ballot?
On or after August 5, 2026, go online to the Lake County Clerk’s website, follow the sign-in instructions, and click the button to request a vote-by-mail ballot. It takes less than five minutes to click through the form and submit the request. October 29, 2026, is the last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot for the November 3, 2026, election, but it’s best to submit the request earlier to ensure you have the ballot in time to vote.
When will I receive my vote-by-mail ballot?
Starting on September 24, 2026, the Clerk’s office will mail ballots to all registered voters who requested one. After that date, the office will mail ballots as it receives requests.
How do I return my completed vote-by-mail ballot?
You can return your vote-by-mail ballot by U.S. Mail or take it to the Lake County Clerk’s office in person any time after you receive it.
Beginning on October 19, 2026, and until the polls close on Election Day, you can take your vote-by-mail ballot to any polling place in Lake County and deposit it in a secure Drop Box. You won’t have to wait in line behind in-person voters.
Using a Drop Box is preferable to using the U.S. Mail. However, if you mail your ballot early (no stamp necessary) you can request an acknowledgment from the Clerk’s Office once it’s been received. And if it goes astray, you can call 847-433-VOTE (8673) for assistance in obtaining a replacement ballot. Waiting until Election Day to mail a ballot is not advisable. You’d need to make sure the ballot has a legible postmark showing mailing no later than 7 p.m. on November 3, 2026.
What if I have questions about how to fill out my ballot?
Your vote-by-mail ballot should come to you with clear, illustrated instructions. The single most important step? Sign the Certification Envelope in which you place your completed ballot the same way you sign your name when you go to vote in person. Also be sure to seal the envelope.
Feel free to call the Democratic Voter Assistance Hotline at 847-433-VOTE (8683) if you need someone to walk you through this process.
Where do I go to vote in person?
You can vote at the Lake County Clerk’s office, 18 N. County St., Waukegan, starting on September 24th.
Starting on October 19th, you can vote at any Election Day Voting polling place in Lake County. Some of these Early Voting sites offer evening and weekend hours. All are handicapped accessible.
On Election Day, November 3, 2026, you can vote from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., at any polling place in Lake County. You can find your “preferred polling place by going to the Lake County Clerk’s website, following the sign-in instructions, and clicking the button “Where Do I Vote?” You will also see the days and hours of Early Voting at the Highwood Public Library, which is the Early Voting site in Moraine Township.
Still have questions? Call the Democratic Voter Information Hotline at 847-433-VOTE (8683), or email info@morainedems.org.