How to Register to Vote
You must be registered to vote from your CURRENT address and with your CURRENT name to be qualified to vote a full ballot. Therefore, if you move or change your name you must re-register.
Qualifications
To register to vote you must be:
- A citizen of the United States
- 18 years of age or older by the date of the election
- A resident of your precinct for 30 days by the date of the election.
Students who are 17, but will be 18 on or before the election, must register to vote before the close of registration, even if not 18 before the close of registration, to vote in the upcoming election at the polls. The voter ID card will be held until your birthday. It is not necessary to have your voter's ID card for voting.
Students who are 17 and will be 18 on or before Election Day and reside within the city limits of Galesburg, may also register and vote at the Board of Elections during grace period registration and voting, 26 days through 7 days before the election. See grace period registration and voting on this website.
Identification
Two forms of identification are required to register. One must include your present address. This can be a driver's license, library card, credit card, personal check, utility bill, mail addressed to you at your current address, etc.
Office Hours
The Galesburg Board of Elections is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
Extended Hours
During the 8-week period before the close of registration the Galesburg Board of Elections is open Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon.
Additional Registration Site
- Drivers License Facilities– you may register to vote the same time you apply for a driver's license.
- Public Assistance Agencies
Mail Registration
A mail-in voter registration application may be printed using a link provided by the Illinois State Board of Elections website. This link is found to the right. Print, complete and sign the form. Please note that identification showing current address and current name is required when registering by mail. If a copy of your identification is not mailed with your registration, you will be asked for current identification before voting.
Voter Identification Card
Upon receipt and processing of a voter registration application, a voter identification card will be mailed. Please verify your name and address printed on the card. Note your polling place and the governmental districts for which you are entitled to vote. If you do not have your voter ID card you may click here to determine your polling place. Be sure to enter the address from which you are registered.
A new Voter Identification Card is mailed every two (2) years and whenever a polling place is changed. Be sure to keep the most current ID card received.
Registration is closed for the 27-day period preceding each election, except in person at the office of the Election Board for city of Galesburg residents. (See Grace Period Voting on this web site)