Frequently Asked Questions

When is the General Election?

This year's General Election takes place on November 5th, 2024. The polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Who can register to vote?

An individual wanting to register to vote must be a citizen of the United States, 18 years of age or older by Election Day, and a resident of Illinois for at least 30 days. Voter registration is conducted until and including Election Day through regular and grace period registration.

How will I be able to vote?

You may apply for a Vote By Mail ballot begining August 7th. Prior to Election Day, you may vote early beginning on September 26th in your local election authority's office. On Election Day, the polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. By using our Voting Systems page you will be able to view which voting equipment your county uses and how to vote using it.

How can I help on Election Day?

Contact your local election authority via the Election Authority Contact page for more information on how to apply to be an election judge.

How do I know which offices represent me?

Use our District Locator to find out which candidates are running in your district.

What offices are covered in this guide? What do they do?

Offices included in the 2024 Voters' Guide are: U.S. President, U.S. Representative, Illinois Supreme Court Judge, and Illinois Appellate Court Judge.

U.S. Presidents serve for 4 years with a base salary of $400,000. The President is both the head of state and head of government of the United States of America, and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The President is responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws written by Congress and, to that end, appoints the heads of the federal agencies, including the Cabinet.
U.S. Representatives serve for 2 Years with a base salary of $174,000. Representatives introduce bills and resolutions, offer ammendments and serve on committees.
Illinois Supreme Court Judges serve 10 years with a base salary of $271,379. The Illinois Supreme Court is the highest court in the State and the furthest that a state case can be appealed. The Supreme Court has original and exclusive jurisdiction in matters that involve legislative redistricting and determining the ability of the Governor to serve in office. The Supreme Court also has discretionary original jurisdiction in cases relating to State revenue and writs of mandamus, prohibition, or habeas corpus. The Illinois State Supreme Court is compromised of 7 justices and a majority vote of 4 is required to decide a case.
Illinois Appellate Court Judges serve for 10 years with a base salary of $255,419. Parties involved in judicial matter have a right to appeal a decision of the Circuit Court to the Appellate Court. 3 judges hear an appellate case and a majority vote of 2 is required to either affirm or reverse the decision made in the trial court.