Back to School voting reminders

8/18/23

Students are headed back to school, and election season is around the corner. It is time to reach out to young people who are newly eligible to register and vote!

Information for All Students

Illinois’ relatively new election law, SB825, requires the State Board of Elections to prepare a one page document explaining the voter registration process that every high school must provide for its students (this can be done electronically). Local Leagues are helping get the word out by sending reminder letters to high school superintendents or principals.

Pre-registration at Age 16

Illinois election reform bill SB2123, signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker on August 4, 2023 allows 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote, with the registration held in abeyance until they are of voting age. This change goes into effect January 1, 2024. Even more high school students will be eligible to register! 

Remember—17-year-olds can register and vote in the Primary Election on March 19, 2024 if they'll be 18 by the General Election on Nov. 5, 2024.