May 16, 2024
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How to fill out and send a mail-in ballot in Illinois

The instruction sheet and envelopes will vary from county to county. For the visual purposes of this, we used a DeKalb County ballot, but the rules apply to other counties in Illinois. The Voters have, and if they haven't already, will receive an official ballot in the mail to the registered address or the mailing address they requested.

By Shaw Media

You'll receive several pieces in one envelope, starting with your official ballot. (Photo Illustration)

You'll receive several pieces in one envelope, starting with your official ballot. (Photo Illustration)

There also should be an instruction sheet. Make sure to read it and follow it. The DeKalb County sheet is double-sided with more instructions on the back. (Photo Illustration)

Pictured here is a general election ballot for DeKalb County with fields marked in red indicating where an election judge will sign (top) and instructions for casting a ballot. A black, ball point pen is recommended to fill out your choices. Completely fill in the oval, located directly to the left of your desired candidate's name, for each section. (Photo Illustration)

Pictured here is the vote by mail certification form, which is to be mailed back in the provided envelope along with a completed ballot. Put your ballot in this security envelope. Postage will be required on the envelope. Areas marked with red text indicate fields voters will need to fill out on the form. The top portion of red text which reads "your name and address will be printed here" replaces a sticker with the voter's name and address printed on it, which was removed from this photo for privacy reasons. (Photo Illustration)

Pictured here is the front of a return envelope to mail your ballot and vote by mail certification back. Postage is required, and should be placed in the top right corner. Your envelope will have a sticker in the top left corner of the envelope with your name and address printed on it. The sticker was removed from this photo for privacy reasons. (Matthew Apgar)

Pictured here is a close-up of the back of the provided envelope, for which you mail your completed ballot and vote by mail certification. Red text indicates fields that you are required to fill out if someone other than the voter is delivering the sealed envelope and its contents by hand. (Matthew Apgar)

Contents of a DeKalb County mail-in ballot are photographed on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020. Pictured here is the top third portion of the front of the instruction sheet for easier viewing. (Photo Illustration)

(Photo Illustration)