Voter Information

Click the image to view the early voting locations and times.

Know your polling place!

Make sure you check your precinct number and location before you leave your home to vote. Click here for an interactive map to find your new precinct. Check your polling place on the Clerk's site at https://mchenry-il.connect4.clarityelections.com/  We've also provided a list below. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the County Clerk directly.

Click on the box to fill out the application for a vote by mail ballot FOR THIS ELECTION ONLY!  Permanent Vote By Mail applications are available.  Please see the next Question for a link to the application.

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 November 8, 2022 election, it must be received by November 3, 2022, OR
• Scan and email the application to [email protected] by November 3rd.
• You must fill in your NEW PRECINCT on the form. The County Clerk has remapped the precincts (and other jurisdictions have been remapped too), so be sure to check your precinct by going to the Are You Registered? question on this page below.  Checking your registration will give you all your District Information!

Do I need to request a Vote By Mail Ballot for every election?

Yes, unless you choose to join a Permanent Vote By Mail Roster and have your ballots sent directly to your preferred address ahead of every election. This form must be returned no later than 5 days prior to any election.  Please see the next Question for a link to the application.

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?

Thursday, September 29th is the first day for the Clerk's office to mail VBM ballots. After September 29th, 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 election day, November 8th. VBM ballots can be returned by either the voter or any person authorized by the voter, or by a licensed delivery company. Ballots can be delivered to a dropbox or to the Clerk's office prior to the polls closing at 7 pm.  If mailed, they must be postmarked by November 8th and received by the County Clerk by November 22nd.

A dropbox is installed at:

McHENRY COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING - 667 Ware Rd., Woodstock - Ballot Drop Box Available 24 hrs in the parking lot.

Additionally, there are drop boxes available inside the voting room of the following early voting locations.  Note:  NOT ALL EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS WILL HAVE A DROPBOX FOR VBM BALLOTS!  Please see the Q&A "EARLY VOTING" for exact locations and hours.  We believe the early voting locations with dropboxes will be the same as in June's election however, check back for updated information:

• Algonquin Township Office
• Lake in the Hills Village Hall
• McHenry Township Office
• McHenry City Hall

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 at [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!

Want to know where your Vote By Mail ballot is?  The Clerk has a Vote By Mail ballot look-up. If you do not find your ballot, call the Clerk's office at (815) 334-4242.  

Click below:

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

Prefer the ease and comfort of voting from home? Voters can now join a Permanent Vote By Mail Roster and have their ballots sent directly to their preferred address ahead of every election. This form must be returned no later than 5 days prior to any election by:

Email to [email protected]

OR personal delivery or mailing it to: 

McHenry County Clerk's Office
Attn:  Vote by Mail Department
2200 North Seminary Ave.
Woodstock, IL  60098

Check your registration by clicking the image below. The registration period for the online voter registration system will close at 11:59 PM on 10/23/2022 and will reopen on 11/10/2022  If you are registered, the system will return your new District information.  Remember, due to the Census remap, your Districts have changed.

Moved?  Submit a Voter Registration Change of Address Form to the McHenry County Clerk's office via email at [email protected] or by mail to:  McHenry County Clerk, 2200 N Seminary Ave. Woodstock, IL 60098

Click the image below to begin the online voter registration process through the Illinois State Board of Elections.  Last day to register online for the November 8th election is October 23rd.

Register to vote in person at the Clerk's office, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. Grace period registration and voting runs from October 12th through November 8th. Office of McHenry County Clerk, McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Suite 107, Woodstock IL 

During the Early Voting period, voters must register and vote in person at one of the Clerk’s designated Early Voting locations.

Individuals wishing to vote during the Early Voting must bring two pieces of identification to register, one with a current address. Registrants must immediately cast their ballot after registering to vote.

On Election Day, you may register to vote at your home precinct only.  Voters planning on registering to vote or updating their address on Election Day must bring two pieces of identification to register, one with a current address.

Mail an application to the Clerk's office using the form here: 

Moved?  Submit a Voter Registration Change of Address Form to the McHenry County Clerk's office via email at [email protected] or by mail to: McHenry County Clerk, 2200 N Seminary Ave. Woodstock, IL 60098

Information for voters on voting registration from the Illinois State Board of Elections - click on the image for the pamphlet.