Voting by Mail in DeKalb County
Vote by Mail allows eligible DeKalb County voters to cast their ballot without going to a polling place.
Any registered voter in Illinois may request a Vote by Mail ballot without providing a reason. A ballot cannot be mailed until an official request is received by the DeKalb County Clerk & Recorder’s Office.
🎥 Watch the video below to learn how Vote by Mail works in DeKalb County.
How to Request a Vote by Mail Ballot
DeKalb County uses one application form for both:
- A one-time Vote by Mail ballot request, or
- Enrollment in the Permanent Vote by Mail Program
Voters simply select their preference on the application.
👉 Application for a Vote by Mail Ballot (Fillable PDF)
(Use this form for both one-time requests and Permanent Vote by Mail enrollment)
One-Time Vote by Mail Request
A one-time request is for a single election.
If you submit a one-time request, you will receive a Vote by Mail ballot for the election you requested (once ballots are available and your request is processed).
Permanent Vote by Mail Program
The Permanent Vote by Mail Program is for voters who want to receive Vote by Mail ballots automatically for future elections.
When you enroll, you will receive a Vote by Mail ballot for each election type you select (for example: Primary Elections, General Elections, Consolidated Elections, etc.). This continues until:
- You opt out, or
- Your voter registration becomes inactive
📌 If your mailing address changes, please update your voter registration to avoid delays!
Important Dates – Upcoming Election
Next Election:
🗳️ General Primary Election – March 17, 2026
- First day to request a Vote by Mail ballot: December 17, 2025
- First day ballots may be mailed: February 5, 2026
Illinois law does not permit official ballots to be mailed more than 40 days before an election.
Ballots for military and overseas voters may be mailed up to 45 days before Election Day, if requested.
Assistance When Voting by Mail
Only Illinois voters who are blind, physically disabled, or unable to read or write English may receive assistance when voting by mail.
- Assistance may be provided by a friend or relative
- A voter’s employer, union representative, or a candidate on the ballot may not assist, except as permitted by law
- Anyone assisting must complete the required section on the ballot envelope
📄 Detailed instructions are included with your ballot materials.
Returning Your Vote by Mail Ballot
After voting your ballot:
- Place it in the certification envelope
- Complete and sign the certification
- Seal the envelope securely
Ballots must be:
- Postmarked by Election Day, and
- Received within 14 days after the election
Ballot Drop-Off Options
Vote by Mail ballots do not have to be mailed.
Voters may:
- Deposit their ballot in an Official Ballot Drop Box, or
- Hand-deliver the ballot to the Clerk’s Office
⏰ Ballots must be returned by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.
DeKalb County Clerk/Elections
110 E. Sycamore St.
Sycamore, IL 60178
elections@dekalbcounty.org
Voter Information Portal
- View your Sample Ballot
- Check your Voter Registration Status
- Request a Vote by Mail Ballot
- Check the Status of your Vote by Mail Ballot
Elections Links
For more information on Voting by Mail or other election laws you may also visit the website of the State Board of Elections
👉 Application for a Vote by Mail Ballot (Fillable PDF)
(Use this form for both one-time requests and Permanent Vote by Mail enrollment)