Voter Information

Polling Places

Voter Registration

When to Register

What to do if you move

What to do if you are disabled

When are absentee ballots allowed?

Election Day notes

What to vote for when...

Polling Places

You can find the number of the precinct that you reside in on the voter registration card sent to you by Winnebago County.

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Voter Registration

In order to register to vote, one must be a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years old and a resident of the State of Illinois for at least 30 days.  A resident of the Village of Cherry Valley may conveniently register to vote at the Village Hall  - 806 E. State Street.

Other places to register:

Winnebago County Clerk's Office
Administration Building
404 Elm Street
Rockford,  IL  61101
815 319-4350

Rockford Election Board of Commissioners
301 South 6th Street
Rockford,  IL  61104
987-5750

IL Bureau of Drivers License
3720 East State Street
Rockford, IL
394-0179

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When to Register

You can register during normal office hours at any of the above places.  Other opportunities to register are often offered prior to any election and will be announced.  The only time you cannot register is from 28 days before any election until 3 days after the election.

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What to do if you move...

If you move to anywhere within your Election Authority, you need not re-register.  However, if you move to a different Election Authority, you DO need to re-register.

If you move within your Election Authority, you need to notify them of the address change.  You can notify them by either of the following options:

Fill out the new information on the back of your voter card and mail it to the Election Authority
Write a letter to the Election Authority giving both the old and new information.  Sign the letter exactly as it is on your Voter ID Card.
Visit the Election Authority office and fill out a change of address form.

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What to do if you are physically disabled

If you are physically disabled, you can call the Election Authority and they will make arrangements with you to come to your residence and register you.  If you are permanently disabled, you are entitled to a "Permanently Disabled Voter ID Card".  This card will allow you to vote by absentee ballot for five years.  Please contact the Election Authority for further information.

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When are absentee ballots allowed?

1. Absentee ballots are allowed when:
2. You will be outside of the country on election day but still maintaining your residency in the county.
3. You are physically unable to go to the polling place on election day.
4. You cannot go to the polls because of a religious holiday.
5. Members of the armed forces and their immediate families who will be out of the country because of their duties on election day.  These persons may cast absentee ballots and need not be registered.  This also applies to civilian employees of the government under the same circumstances.  If this applies to you, contact your commanding officer or government employer for forms.

You can vote by absentee ballot either in person or by mail.

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Election Day Notes

The polls are open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM each election day.  A list of all polling places will be published in a local newspaper within 30 days of each election.  Your Voter ID Card gives you the following information:

1. The Township & Precinct in which you vote.
2. Your U.S. Congressional, State Congressional and County Board Districts
3. All Government units serving your area.
4. The location of your polling place.

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What to vote for when...

In even numbered years: 

  In the General Primary election in March we vote for nominated federal, state and legislative positions.
 In the General Election in November we elect federal, state and legislative positions.

In odd numbered years:

The Consolidated Election in April focuses on Municipal, Township, Park District, Sewer District and Library Distinct officials.
Some non-partisan races include trustees for Rock Valley College, Fire Department trustees and other special district officers.

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