Illinois voters retain ballot access if in line after 7 p.m. close
State law ensures final votes are counted for those already waiting when polling places shut, with results expected within 30 minutes.
By Pablo Montgomery ·
Illinois polls close at 7 p.m. on Election Day, though voters in line at that moment retain the right to cast ballots.
State law dictates that any individual standing in the queue when the posted closing time arrives may proceed to vote. The American Civil Liberties Union confirmed this provision, stating that ballots are valid if the voter was in line at the specific time listed as closing.
Results are scheduled to begin appearing in the first half-hour after the 7 p.m. deadline. Live updates will track the count as votes are tallied.
Voters seeking their location in the final hours can use the polling place lookup tool on the Illinois State Board of Elections website. Entering a ZIP code and address triggers the submission of the correct site information.
Chicago residents have additional options, including 51 early voting centers that remain open through the day. Suburban voters should consult their local county clerk’s website for specific location details and election data.
The process ensures that last-minute arrivals are not excluded if they enter the queue before the official close. This rule applies across the entire state, not just urban areas.
Source: NBC Chicago
