Elections & Voting

Voter Information for McDonough County, Illinois:*

Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, it is not intended as a substitute for the law or for opinions and decisions of the courts.

To vote in the State of Illinois:

  • Be 17 years old before or on the date of the Primary Election
  • Turn 18 on or before the General Election.
  • Live in your election community at least 30 days prior to election day (Note: WIU students may register and vote in McDonough County.)
  • You cannot actively serving jail time. Once your time is served, your voting rights are restored once you re-register.
  • 2 forms of ID to register: one must show your name and the other must show your name and permanent address (for WIU Students, this includes your residence hall room and/or apartment.)
  • You may register to vote in-person or by mail.
  • If you register in-person you may do so at the McDonough County Clerk’s Office, at:

    One Court House Square, Macomb, Illinois 61455

    Parking is available around of the building. The wheelchair ramp/accessible entrance is on the east side.

    If there are any questions on voter registration you may call (309) 833-2474.

Changing Your Address (for Previously Registered Voters)

Go through the same process of registration to change your address (as simple as checking a different box on the form) if you have previously registered elsewhere.

Mail-In Voter Applications

If you choose to mail in your application, you may go online and download the application. Along with the form, you will need to send in 2 copies of identification to the following address:

McDonough County Clerk’s Office
One Court House Square
Macomb, Illinois 61455

Voters with a Disability

If you have a permanent physical disability that prevents you from registering you may make arrangements for voter registration in your home. Contact the McDonough County Clerk’s Office at (309) 833-2474 for further details.

****Online Voter Registration: (MUST be done well in advance!)*****

If you are not registered to vote you can register at this link, BUT YOU MUST DO SO WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE ELECTION, and if you register online, YOU MUST BRING TWO FORMS OF ID, of which one must be a PHOTO ID and another must provide PROOF OF RESIDENCY when you go vote or you may be denied a ballot.

Online Registration: https://ova.elections.il.gov/Step0.aspx

If You Aren’t Sure If You Are Registered Already

If you are unsure if you are registered you can check at this link: https://ova.elections.il.gov/RegistrationLookup.aspx

Voting Absentee

If you are unable to vote at your designated polling place the day of the election you may send in an absentee ballot.More will be sent out each day after. The county will pay for the return postage for the ballots.The steps to receiving the absentee ballot are as follows:

(1) Obtain the correct application for the absentee ballot either through the mail or in person from you corresponding authority’s office. You can also download the application from the website.

(2) Once the application is received complete it and include your name, home address, the address you want you ballot sent, your date of birth, phone number, and email. Be sure to sign the application. If it is a primary election, include your party affiliation.

(3) Once the application is completed you can mail it in or deliver it to your corresponding election authority. If the application was mailed in and was completed fully, the election authority will mail your ballot to you.

(4) Once the ballot is received, vote in secret!

When you finish, place the ballot into the envelope that is provided and seal it, then complete and sign the certification on the back. In order for the ballot to be counted it must be postmarked before or at midnight the day before the election. The absentee voter may authorize a family member or licensed motor carrier to deliver the ballot to the election authority.

Voters In The Hospital

If you are in the hospital for under 14 days and wish to receive an absentee ballot you must do the following:

(1) Obtain the “Application for Absentee Ballot by Physically Incapacitated Elector” from the election authority.

(2) Complete the application then have your Physician sign and complete the “Certificate of Attending Physician.”

(3) Once completed it may be turned into the election authority’s office by a registered voter from your precinct or family member.

(4) After the affidavit is signed, the precinct or family member may deliver the absentee ballot to the hospital. Complete the ballot and seal it. Give it to your designated precinct or family member.The ballot must be delivered to the election authority office before 7:00 p.m. on election day.

Early Voters

For early voters, you may cast your ballot with no corresponding reason or excuses. If you choose to vote early you will not be able to cancel your ballot and vote on election day.

You can contact the McDonough County Clerk’s Election Department at (309) 833-2474 for further help.For Grace Period Registration/Voting you may register within the office of the election authority regular registration closes.

To apply you must bring 2 forms of ID showing your current name and address. Anyone registering during this time will be required to vote in person during that time.

Voting during the grace period must be done in person at the McDonough County Clerk’s Office at the McDonough County Courthouse in the basement.

If you need more information, contact the McDonough County Clerk’s Election Department at (309) 833-2474 or visit http://mcg.mcdonough.il.us/countyclerk.html/.

Address: Gretchen DeJaynes, County Clerk
One Court House Square
Macomb, Illinois 61455

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