College Students: Election Day is Nov. 3, 2026

July 21, 2026 – Based on new research by the CIRCLE at Tufts University, 56 percent of 56 percent of youth voters say they are “extremely likely” to vote in this fall’s midterm elections.

That’s what they say; actually voting may require a little advance planning.

And that’s why the League of Women Voters of Naperville urges the community’s new voters to be sure to “Participate, Not Spectate.”

Voting is not difficult, but it does involve a few steps for new voters or those who have moved to a new community. The League of Women Voters has compiled all the steps in an online voters guide for college students, or follow the information below for voting remotely or locally in your college town:

College students who are eligible to vote should think about their voting plan well ahead of the actual midterm election day, which this year is Nov. 3. Those who are away from home and busy at school may not be aware that failing to figure out the details of voting well in advance may mean they will fail to vote.

1. The first step is registration. Illinois students can register with a deputy registrar, in person on the same day as they plan to vote, or online with the Illinois State Board of Elections. The link to register online can be found here. If you use this option, have your Illinois driver’s license or identification card and the last four digits of your social security number available. For this option, you will be required to show identification the first time you vote.

2. Once registered, the next step is engagement. Which candidates do you want to vote for?

Pro tip: For nonpartisan, first-hand candidate information, visit VOTE411, which has information on candidates in all states, including answers to questions and links to candidate forums. Here you can print off a sample ballot and confirm voting poll locations.

Visiting a candidate’s website and social media channels can also provide first-hand information about where the candidate stands on issues important to you. Due to the rise of mis- and disinformation online and the advent of artificial intelligence, it is important to check the source, look for evidence and cross reference information before assuming something is true.

3. Once you know who you want to vote for, the final step is voting.

Students staying in state and voting using their home address:

• Vote By Mail (VBM). Request a VBM ballot from your home county’s election division as soon as you know you want to vote by mail. This VBM ballot can be sent to your college address, no reason needed. Carefully follow all instructions for completion and return, making sure to sign as you did at registration. If your two signatures are not identical, your ballot may be challenged and you may have to take additional steps to make your ballot countable. And, be sure to mail the completed ballot in advance (a minimum of two weeks ahead) of the actual election day.

Pro tip: In Illinois, election judges identify you by comparing your original registration signature with one you provide the day you vote. Be sure to use the same handwriting style at registration and on your mail-in ballot. This also applies if you vote in person.

Pro tip: If you would like to track your VBM ballot sign up with BallotTrax on your county’s election division website.

• Vote In-Person during early voting. Counties begin early voting before election day at county election divisions and later at locations around the county. Look up your home county election division website for dates, locations and times.
• Vote In-Person on election day. Vote at your home polling place on election day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Students staying in Illinois but voting using school address:

• Students must first update their registration for the new address. Update your existing registration or register.
• Students may then use any of the three options listed above utilizing their school address. Note: Your county reference may have changed. For example: your home is in Naperville, DuPage County but you updated your voter registration address to your University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign address. You now must reference Champaign County’s election division for VBM requests and polling locations.

Students studying out of state:

• Out-of-state students who wish to vote using their home address may utilize VBM or plan to be home during early voting or on election day to vote in person. See more about these options above.
• Out-of-state students may wish to register to vote and vote using their out-of-state school address. Each state has legal authority over their elections, and therefore, each state may have differing registration requirements. Please visit VOTE411 and scroll down to the U.S. map. Click on the desired state to learn about their registration requirements and voting particulars.

Helpful Links-

• DuPage County Elections
• Will County Elections
• 2026 State Board of Elections Student Voting Handbook