Register to Vote

How Do I Register to Vote in Knox County?
Click Here to Download a Voter Registration Form
Mail this completed form to your election authority 

What are the voter registration requirements?

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Must be at least 18 years of age by election day
  • Must have been a resident of the precinct at least 30 days

When may I register to vote?

Regular registration is open year round with the following exceptions:

  • During the 27-day period just prior to an election, or 16 days prior through the online paperless voter applications available on the Illinois State Board of Elections website.
  • Grace period registration is an extension of the regular registration deadline from the 27th day prior to an election through Election Day.  Grace period registration is only available “in-person” at the sites authorized by the Election office.  For voters outside the city limits of Galesburg, grace period registration is only available at the County Clerk’s office.
  • During the 2 days after such election (1 day after in Chicago)

Where can I register to vote?

  • If you live within the City of Galesburg, you can register at the Office of the City of Galesburg Board of Election Commissioners.  The office is located in Galesburg City Hall, 55 W. Tompkins St., Galesburg, IL 61401 (First Floor).  You may call them at 309/345-3660.
  • If you live outside the City of Galesburg (Knox County), you can register at the Office of the Knox County Clerk.  The office is located at the Knox County Courthouse, 200 S. Cherry St., Galesburg, IL 61401 (First Floor).  You may call us at 309/345-3858.

You may also register to vote at:

  • Knoxville City Clerk’s Office, Public Square, Knoxville
  • Abingdon City Clerk’s Office, 110 E. Meek St., Abingdon
  • Secretary of State’s Office, Driver Services Facility, 1066 E. Losey St., Galesburg
  • Department of Human Services, 477 E. Main St., Galesburg
  • Precinct Committeemen, Deputy Registrars, and Township Supervisors in some areas are also qualified to register voters.
  • Online registration through the State Board of Elections website at www.elections.il.gov.

What forms of identification are needed when I register to vote?

  • You must submit with the application either (i) a copy of a current and valid photo identification, or (ii) a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.  
  • If you do not provide the information required above, then you will be required to provide election officials with this information the first time you vote at a polling place or by in-person absentee ballot.  
  • If you register by mail, you must also vote in person the first time, either at the polling place or in-person absentee.

Do I ever have to re-register?

No, not unless you:

  • Move to a different address
  • Change your name

Will I automatically be registered to vote when I renew my driver’s license?

No. But you will be given the opportunity to register to vote.  If you are already registered to vote, there is no need to register again unless you change your name or move.

So can I register to vote by mailing an application to my election office?

Yes.  Under federal law, citizens may apply to register to vote by mailing in an application.  Click here to download the application. Applications are also available at some public and private facilities where you live.  When you register by mail your mail-in form must be postmarked prior to the close of registration.  Contact your local election office to learn more about registering by mail.

If I mail in an application to vote, can I vote by absentee ballot?

Unless disabled or in the military, persons who register by mail must vote in person at the polling place or by in-person absentee voting the first time they vote.

Can I register at a public assistance office?

Yes.  Any person who requests public assistance will be given an opportunity to register to vote.  Again, if you are already registered, there will be no need to register again unless you changed your name or move

When can I consider myself officially registered to vote?

As soon as you receive a voter ID card in the mail, you can consider yourself registered.  If you do not receive an ID card within 3 weeks after you registered, call your elections office.

What if I change my name after being registered?

If you changed your name more than 28 days before the election and did not re-register, you must update your voter registration in order to vote.

A person who changed his or her name within 28 days of the election, and still lives in the same precinct, may vote after completing an affidavit.  A woman who continues to use her maiden name after marriage may vote without having to complete an affidavit if registered under her maiden name.

What if I move, can I still vote?

It depends on when you move.  If you moved within 27 days of the election in the same precinct you can vote a full ballot by signing an affidavit.

If you moved more than 30 days before the election within the county or municipality under a board of election commissioners, and did not transfer your registration, you may update your registration through Election Day using the grace period registration and voting, or you can vote on a ballot for federal offices only, after completing an address correction form.

If you moved within 30 days before the election outside of your precinct, but you still live in the State, and did not transfer your registration, you may update your registration to your new address through Election Day and do grace period registration and voting, or you can vote a full ballot in your old polling place after completing an affidavit.

If you moved more than 30 days before the election out of your county or municipality under the board of election commissioners and did not transfer your registration, you can only vote by re-registering from your new address.