Woman in a yellow sweater sitting at a table in a living room working on a laptop.

Voter Registration

Home > Voter Registration

Voter Registration – DeKalb County

Being properly registered to vote is the foundation of a smooth voting experience. Keeping your voter registration accurate and up to date helps ensure that, if and when you choose to vote, you can do so without delays or issues at the polling place. This page explains how to register, update your information, and check your registration status.

Who Can Register to Vote

To vote in DeKalb County, you must:
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be a resident of DeKalb County
• Be at least 18 years old on or before the next General Election (17-year-olds may register and vote in a Primary if they will be 18 by the General)

How to Register or Update Your Registration

Online (Fastest & Easiest)

You can register or update your registration online through the Illinois Online Voter Application:
👉 Register or Update Online — State Board of Elections Website ova.elections.il.gov

By Mail

You may also register or update your registration by mail using the Mail-In Voter Registration Application. A completed and signed form must be postmarked 28 days before Election Day.

👉 Mail-In Voter Registration Application (PDF)

In Person

You may register in person at:

  • The Office of the County Clerk & Recorder
  • Many banks, libraries, and municipal offices
  • The Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Deputy Registrar sites throughout the county

For locations near you, contact our office at 815-895-7147.

What if I Missed the Deadline?

If you miss the regular registration deadline:

  • Grace Period Registration is available in person at designated sites through the voting period.
  • You may also register and vote on Election Day at the designated Election Day Registration Center or at your polling place if eligible.

For more information, visit our Early Voting & Grace Period Registration page.

Update Your Registration

You should update your registration if you:

  • Changed your name
  • Changed your address (including moving within the same building or neighborhood)

You can update:

  • Online (before the deadline)
  • By mail
  • In person

Cancel Your Voter Registration

If you have moved out of state and no longer wish to remain registered in Illinois, you may cancel your voter registration by:

  • Emailing elections@dekalbcounty.org with your name, former address, and birthdate
  • Mailing your request
  • Completing the back of your DeKalb County voter card and returning it to our office

Election Day Registration

DeKalb County residents who are not currently registered or who need to update their name or address may register and vote on Election Day at:

  • DeKalb County Administration Building — 110 E. Sycamore St., Sycamore
    OR
  • Their local polling place if eligible to register there

Check Your Registration

You can check your voter registration status, polling place, sample ballot, and more using the Voter Information Portal:
👉 Voter Information Portal

During an Election Cycle, you may check your Voter Registration Status, Specimen Ballot, Polling Place, and Voting Districts:
If you are a resident of DeKalb County and not sure if you are registered to vote, want to know your polling place location, or view your Specimen Ballot or your voting districts, visit our 👉 Voter Information Portal

Elections Links

After utilizing our website, if you still don’t see what you are looking for, you may visit the State Board of Elections website for more information: State Board of Elections

Another great resource for Voting Information: USA.Gov