Early Voting Now Open in Illinois
Residents of Winnebago County and the City of Rockford can now participate in early voting for the April 1, 2025, Consolidated Election. While early voting in other parts of Illinois began on February 20, it was delayed in Winnebago County and Rockford to allow election authorities to process ballots from the February primary election.
For Winnebago County voters outside Rockford, early voting is available at the Winnebago County Clerk’s Office on the fourth floor of 404 Elm St., Rockford. The office is open for early voting from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through March 31, with an additional session on Saturday, March 22, from 8 a.m. to noon.
Rockford residents can vote early at the Rockford Board of Elections, 301 S. 6th Street. Voting hours at this location are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday from March 17 to March 31.
Importance of Local Elections
Winnebago County Clerk Lori Gummow urges residents to participate in the upcoming election, emphasizing the impact of local decisions.
“If you have an issue—whether it’s about taxes or school policies—these are the people who will represent us at the local level,” Gummow said. “That’s why voting is so important. Every one of these candidates is a local person, and you probably know who they are.”
Local elections play a crucial role in shaping policies on education, infrastructure, public safety, and other vital community issues.
Vote-by-Mail and Registration Deadlines
For those unable to vote in person, Illinois offers the option of voting by mail. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is Thursday, March 27. Completed ballots must be postmarked by April 1 to be counted.
To register to vote, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be 18 years or older by Election Day
- Be a resident of their precinct for at least 30 days before the election
While Illinois allows same-day voter registration on Election Day, Clerk Gummow encourages residents to register in advance to avoid delays.
“Registering ahead of time ensures you have enough time to gather the required information and allows election judges to assist you more efficiently,” Gummow explained.
Key Election Information for Illinois Voters
Voters looking for more details on local candidates, polling locations, or election procedures can visit:
- Winnebago County Clerk’s Office website
- Rockford Board of Elections website
Additionally, voters can check their registration status, find early voting locations, and look up Election Day polling sites through Illinois’ official election resources.
With early voting and mail-in options now available, Illinois residents have multiple opportunities to ensure their voices are heard in the April 1 election.
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