Voters may cast a ballot prior to the April 6th Election starting March 12th at the County Clerk’s Office from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and starting on March 22nd at the locations listed below.

The Illinois early voting law allows voters to cast a ballot at an early voting center through Monday, April 5th in any of the locations listed below. Ballots for all precincts in McHenry County are available at any of these Early Voting Centers, so voters may vote at the site most convenient for them. You will be required to present a valid form of identification when you vote early.

Click on any location heading to see a Google map and directions.

Click on the box to fill out the application for a vote by mail ballot!

How do I arrange to Vote By Mail, also known as VBM?

The first step for voting by mail is to request a ballot by filling out an application, then submitting it to the McHenry County Clerk.  Click on the box above to fill out the online application.  Print it out, sign and date it.  This is very important!  Then:

• Mail it to the McHenry County Clerk, 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL  60098 so that it is received no later than 5 days before election day.  For the April 6, 2021 election, it must be received by April 1st.
• Scan and email the application to [email protected] by April 1st.
• Personally deliver the application to the Woodstock office, also no later than April 1st.

When can I request (apply for) a VBM ballot?

Good news! Registered voters can file an application online right now. If you live in McHenry County, apply by clicking on the box above. 

When will I receive my VBM ballot?

The McHenry County Clerk must mail it to you within two business days of receiving the application. They are also asking you to allow 5 days for the USPS to deliver your ballot. We recommend mailing your application as soon as possible to be sure you receive your ballot before election day.

What if I get a VBM ballot and then decide I want to vote in person?

Just bring your VBM ballot and envelope to your polling place once in-person voting begins, return them to an election judge, and request a regular ballot to vote then and there. Easy! Having the VBM ballot in hand before the polls are open for in-person voting, ensures that if you’d rather not leave home, you can still vote. Remember we need your vote!

If I do decide I want to mail in or drop off my VBM ballot, what’s the deadline?

Vote by mail ballots must be returned or postmarked no later than April 6. Thanks to the Democratically controlled Illinois legislature and Governor JB Pritzker, drop boxes will be available for the April 6th election. In McHenry County, the only one will be at the Administration Building.

McHENRY COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING - 667 Ware Rd., Woodstock - Ballot Drop Box Available 24 hrs
McHENRY TOWNSHIP OFFICE - 3703 N. Richmond Rd., Johnsburg - Ballot Drop Box Available during voting hours
THE DOLE MANSION - 401 Country Club Rd., Crystal Lake - Ballot Drop Box Available during voting hours
McHENRY CITY HALL - 333 S Green St., McHenry - Ballot Drop Box Available during voting hours
LAKE IN THE HILLS VILLAGE HALL - 600 Harvest Gate, Lake in the Hills - Ballot Drop Box Available during voting hours

What if there's a problem with my VBM ballot when the county clerk receives it?

The county clerk is required to notify you of any problems with your ballot within 48 hours of receiving it.

What if I requested a VBM ballot but don't receive it by Election Day?

Go to your polling place on Election Day.  Ask to fill out an affidavit stating that you never received the VBM ballot.  You can then vote.  REFUSE TO VOTE PROVISIONALLY.

What if I returned a VBM ballot to the Clerk but they have not received it by Election Day?

Go to your polling place on Election Day.  Ask to fill out an affidavit stating that you returned the VBM ballot and the election authority did not receive it.  You can then vote.  REFUSE TO VOTE PROVISIONALLY.

What if I still have questions about VBM?

You can email the Democratic Party of McHenry County [email protected] or call us at 847-906-1559

VBM Tips

Do not initial the ballot.

It is ok to undervote, which means to leave a question blank or to only vote for one candidate even though you can vote for two. Your ballot will still count. For example, if there is no Democrat running or there is only one Democrat running, only vote for the Democratic candidate. 

Sign your name as you signed it when you registered to vote. 

Make sure your envelope is sealed.