Clerk Sends Permanent Vote by Mail Applications

The Sangamon County Clerk’s Office is mailing postcard applications to registered voters who are not currently enrolled in Illinois’ Permanent Vote by Mail program.

State law requires election authorities, including the County Clerk’s Office, to notify eligible voters about the program before each general election. Because general elections are held in even-numbered years, the postcards are required to be sent every two years. Voters already enrolled in the program and those who previously opted out of receiving notices are excluded from the mailing.

The program allows qualified registered voters to receive mail ballots automatically for future elections. Voters may choose to receive ballots for all elections, including partisan primary elections, or only for general and consolidated elections, which do not require a party designation.

After the Sangamon County Election Office receives a completed application, the voter will be placed on the Permanent Vote by Mail list and will receive ballots by mail for the elections selected. Voters who change their name or address must submit a new application to remain in the program.

Completing the postcard is optional. Voters interested in joining the permanent list may return the application by mail, deliver it to the Election Office or apply online at countyclerk.sangamonil.gov. The application is available by selecting “Online/Mail in Vote by Mail Applications/Permanent Vote by Mail” in the website’s Quick Links section.

Voters who are not interested in the program may select the “Opt Out” option on the postcard and will not receive future notices about permanent vote by mail.

Registered voters may still request a mail ballot for the Nov. 3 General Election without enrolling in the permanent program. A paper application may be requested by calling the Election Office at 217-753-8683. Applications may also be completed through the County Clerk’s website.

The Nov. 3 election will include several major-party contests of interest to Sangamon County voters. Those include Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker against Republican Darren Bailey for governor, Democrat Juliana Stratton against Republican Don Tracy for U.S. Senate, Democratic state Sen. Doris Turner against Republican Frank Lesko in the 48th Senate District and Republican Paula Crouch against Democrat Marc Bell for Sangamon County sheriff.

Vote by Mail ballots for the Nov. 3 election will begin being mailed Sept. 24, which is also the first day of early voting. The deadline to apply for a mail ballot is Oct. 29.

Completed ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by the Election Office no later than the 14th day after Election Day to be accepted and included in the official final results.

The Sangamon County Election Office is located at 200 S. Ninth St., first floor, in Springfield. Questions may be directed to 217-753-8683 or elections@sangamonil.gov.