Vote by Mail

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 or click here for a link to the PERMANENT VOTE BY MAIL 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 and 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 March 19, 2024 election, it must be received by March 14, 2024, OR
• Scan and email the application to [email protected] by March 14.

You must fill in your PRECINCT on the form. 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 before any election.  

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

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

When will I receive my VBM ballot?

Thursday, February 8th is the first day for the Clerk's office to mail VBM ballots. After February 8th, the McHenry County Clerk must mail the ballot to you within two business days of receiving the application. The Clerk is 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?

Easy. 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. 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!

What’s the deadline for dropping off or mailing my ballot?

Vote-by-mail ballots must be returned or postmarked no later than election day, March 19th. 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 drop box or to the Clerk's office prior to the polls closing at 7 pm.  If mailed, they must be postmarked by March 19th.

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.  Dropboxes are available at the following locations during early voting hours at:

• Algonquin Township Building 6B
• 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!