With the next major election cycle on the horizon, Illinois residents are already searching for the latest information on where to vote near me—and election officials are making it easier than ever to find polling locations, request mail ballots, and cast votes early.
How to Find Your Polling Place
If you’re wondering where to vote in Illinois, the process is straightforward. The Illinois State Board of Elections and local county clerks provide online tools to help voters quickly locate their assigned polling place. For example, in Macon County—including Decatur—voters can visit the official county election website or use the statewide voter lookup tool to enter their address and instantly see their designated polling location for Election Day.
Election Day voting is only allowed at your assigned polling place, so it’s crucial to confirm your location before heading out. Early voting is also available at county buildings, such as Room 119 at 141 South Main Street in Decatur, from late September through early November.
Early Voting and Mail-In Ballots
Illinois offers
no-excuse absentee voting, meaning any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot without needing a reason. The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is typically
five days before Election Day. Voters can submit their request online or by mail, and ballots must be returned by Election Day to be counted.
For those who prefer to vote in person, early voting is available at designated county offices. In Decatur, early voting runs from September 29th to November 7th, with ballots accepted until November 8th. Ballots can also be dropped off at secure drop boxes or mailed in with the correct postage.
What You Need to Know
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Registration: You can register to vote on Election Day with two forms of ID.
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Polling Place Lookup: Use the official county or state election website to find your polling place.
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Mail-In Ballots: Request online or by mail, and return by Election Day.
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Early Voting: Available at county buildings during the weeks leading up to Election Day.
Why This Matters
With the 2026 election cycle approaching, local officials are urging voters to plan ahead. Whether you’re voting early, by mail, or on Election Day, knowing where to vote near you is the first step to making your voice heard. The Illinois State Board of Elections and local clerks are committed to making the process as accessible and transparent as possible.
What’s Next
Election officials recommend checking your voter registration status and polling place well in advance of Election Day. The state’s online tools and county resources are updated regularly to reflect any changes in polling locations or voting procedures.
Sources
1. Where Do I Vote? Decatur & Macon County, Illinois
2. Illinois Election Dates and Deadlines | U.S. Vote Foundation
3. Illinois Voting Information - VOTE411
4. Is there an election in Illinois on Nov. 4? What you need to know
