Election season is officially underway in Illinois, with early voting for the November 2024 General Election starting on September 26th. Vote-By-Mail (VBM) ballots will also be mailed that day to those who have requested them in advance.
“Starting Thursday, registered voters of Sangamon County can officially cast a ballot for the November 5th General Election. Casting a ballot early at the Election Office or by mail is quick, easy and convenient,” said Sangamon County Clerk Don Gray.
To vote early, come to the 1st Floor of the Sangamon County Complex, 200 S. Ninth Street, Springfield. In-person early voting hours are from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm Monday - Friday, thru October 25th.
Early Voting extended hours are:
Saturday, October 12th 9:00 am – noon
Monday, October 14th (Columbus Day Holiday) 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday, October 19th 9:00 am – noon
Saturday, October 26th 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, October 27th 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Monday, October 28th – Friday, November 1st 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday, November 2nd 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, November 3rd 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Monday, November 4th 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday, September 26th, is also the beginning of mailing Vote by Mail ballots for voters who requested to receive their ballot by mail or are enrolled in the Permanent Vote by Mail Program for General Elections. Registered voters interested in casting a ballot by mail for the November 5th General Election only or to enroll in the Permanent Vote by Mail Program must submit an application to the Election Office either online at countyclerk.sangamonil.gov or request an application by calling the Election Office at 217-753-8683.
“Since Illinois has made substantial investments in the opportunity of voting by mail, it has become a preferred service for many of our voters and continues to grow every election cycle. The public should have great confidence in the manner in which Sangamon County processes, validates, and secures our mail ballots for an accurate and accountable election,” said Gray. “I encourage all voters to utilize the convenience of voting by mail and returning it through our secure, tamper proof, and video monitored ballot return drop boxes.”
Vote by Mail voters may return their ballot through the following ways: By the USPS ($2.04 return postage); ballot return drop box accessible 24/7 at the Sangamon County Complex on Monroe St. (south side of the bldg.) or the Sangamon County Regional Office of Education, 2201 S. Dirksen Parkway (no postage necessary); Personal or third party hand delivery to the Election Office, 200 S 9th Street, 1st Floor.
Voters in Sangamon County will be deciding on several important races this November. Two Illinois State Representative seats, three contested countywide positions, and seven contested County Board seats are on the ballot, among others.
With the 2024 presidential election approaching, a high turnout is expected. In the 2020 election, nearly 75% of eligible voters in Sangamon County participated, continuing a long history of strong engagement. Sangamon County has often exceeded state averages in voter turnout during presidential election years.
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