MOLINE, Ill. — The 2024 General Election is just around the corner, taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
The race for U.S. president between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris is arguably at the forefront of this year's election, but numerous national, statewide and local elections will also be taking place.
In Illinois, most of the races are at the state level except for the U.S. House of Representatives. Since representatives only serve two-year terms, politicians in each of Illinois' 17 congressional districts are up for reelection.
That includes the race between Democratic incumbent Eric Sorensen and Republican Joseph McGraw in Illinois' 17th Congressional District, which covers much of the immediate Quad Cities area and extends down towards Peoria and up to Rockford.
Two Republican incumbents are running unopposed in their respective districts, including Darin LaHood in the 16th Congressional District and Mary Miller in the 15th Congressional District.
Races for the Illinois General Assembly will be taking place across the state, including elections for the state senate and state house.
News 8 will continue to update this voter guide as we get closer to the election. Find all election coverage at wqad.com/elections
Important dates for the Nov. 5 election
- Thursday, Sept. 26: Election authorities will send out ballots to voters who applied to vote by mail; Early voting begins at specific polling locations
- Tuesday, Oct. 8: Last day for regular voter registration (by paper); Voter registration is available up to election day through the state's grace period
- Wednesday, Oct. 9- Tuesday, Nov. 5: Grace period for in-person voter registration; Early voting begins at the local election authority's office
- Sunday, Oct. 20: Last day to register to vote online; In-person registration remains open through election day
- Monday, Oct. 21: Last day for election authority to receive mail-in ballots
- Monday, Nov. 4: Last day for early voting
- Tuesday, Nov. 5: Election day!
When do I need to register to vote in Illinois?
Illinois residents are able to register to vote up to election day. Regular voter registration by mail stops Oct. 8 and online registration must be done by Oct. 20. Residents can register in-person through Nov. 5, the day of the election.
When does early voting start in Illinois?
Early voting starts on Oct. 9 at your local election authority's office and select polling sites. Residents who requested mail-in ballots should start receiving those after Sept. 26. The deadline to get those to your local election authority is Oct. 21 and the last day for early voting is Nov. 4. More information on early voting can be found here.
Who's eligible to vote?
Under Illinois law, voters must be U.S. citizens who turn 18 on or before the date of the general election, which is Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Voters must live in the precinct in which they're casting their ballot at least 30 days in advance of the election date. In addition to that, any Illinois residents who are currently incarcerated for a criminal conviction are ineligible to vote, but any formerly incarcerated person who's on parole, probation or has fully completed their criminal sentence is immediately eligible to vote.
Where can I vote?
Polling places vary by county and precinct. You can find out where you'll need to go on election day by visiting the Illinois State Board of Elections website and entering your address, including your zip code, street name and street number.
What do I need to bring with me to vote?
In Illinois, voters don't need to present proof of identification on registration day as long as their registration information hasn't changed since the last time they voted. Illinois residents can register online, in person at their local election office, or at driver's license facilities.
